Why is Chuba Hubbard not playing today? Exploring the Panthers' RB's absence for Week 17 vs. Bucs

The Carolina Panthers first designated Chuba Hubbard as questionable for their Week 17 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Saturday, however, it was announced that the running back will not play in the game at all.

Hubbard, who signed a four-year contract extension in November, recorded career-high numbers in 15 games, including 1,195 running yards (sixth in the NFL), 10 rushing touchdowns (11th in the NFL) and 43 catches this season. He is also seventh in the league with 250 carries this season.

Why isn't Chuba Hubbard playing on Sunday vs. the Buccaneers?

Chuba Hubbard will not play again for the Carolina Panthers this season after he was placed on the injured reserve list on Saturday.

Hubbard, who was listed as questionable with injuries to his knee and calf on Carolina's final injury report, was not ruled out by Dave Canales on Friday during a media session. The coach was optimistic about the chances of those designated questionable, including Hubbard.

Because of this, the decision to put Hubbard on IR on Saturday was unexpected.

The 25-year-old running back is coming off an impressive Week 16 performance, where he recorded 152 yards and two touchdowns in the victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.

After reportedly experiencing some pain during his limited practice for the Panthers on Friday, Hubbard had an MRI on Friday night, which showed that he had a Grade 2 calf strain. The team, having already been eliminated from postseason contention, then thought it best to shut their RB1 down for the season on Saturday.

Who will be the Panthers' No. 1 RB against the Bucs in Chuba Hubbard's absence?

Mike Boone, 29, was signed by the Carolina Panthers off the practice squad on Saturday to share running back snaps with Velus Jones Jr. and Raheem Blackshear in the final two games of the season.

Backup running back, Miles Sanders, sustained an ankle injury in Week 10, placing him on injured reserve.