The Carolina Panthers will be looking for the next dog up out of their backfield on Sunday.
As confirmed by head coach Frank Reich this afternoon, starting running back Miles Sanders has been ruled out of the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Miami Dolphins with a shoulder injury. He was asked if backup Chuba Hubbard would be in his place.
“We’ll do it by committee, but Chuba will get the bulk of the carries. More than likely get the bulk of the carries,” Reich said. “It’ll be hot down there. So, we’ll have to rotate through. Obviously, you hope we get it goin’ and we’re movin’ the ball. You run 60 to 70 plays a game, so those guys will all get some work. But I would think Chuba would be the lead dog.”
Reich was then asked about what he’s liked from the third-year back thus far.
“Just a downhill runner,” he replied. “Physical runner. Good contact balance. Good yards after contact. Competitive. Tough.”
Hubbard, Carolina’s leading rusher during his rookie campaign in 2021, has run for 154 yards on 35 totes this season. That work has been good enough for an average of 4.4 yards per attempt.
Reich also said that he expects Raheem Blackshear, who has been a healthy scratch over the last four games, to be active.
