CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard went out on a high note.
Last Sunday, Hubbard scored the game-winning touchdown run in overtime, gained 152 yards and earned NFC offensive player of the week honors.
But his season ended Saturday after the Panthers placed the four-year veteran on injured reserve with a calf injury. Hubbard was listed as a limited participant during Friday’s practice. After complaining of additional post-practice pain, he underwent an MRI, which revealed a Grade 2 strain, according to Panthers.com.
The NFL’s sixth-best rusher entering Week 17, Hubbard, who signed a contract extension earlier this season, finished with career highs in rushing yards (1,195), carries (250) and touchdowns (10).
The Panthers (4-11) have two games remaining, beginning Sunday at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Hubbard joining Miles Sanders and Jonathon Brooks on IR, the Panthers will turn to return specialist Raheem Blackshear to serve as RB1.
Warming up before Friday’s #NFL practice, @Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard (30) plays catch with RB coach Bernie Parmalee. Hubbard (calf) was placed on season-ending IR Saturday … pic.twitter.com/HP7xMPr45J
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 28, 2024
QB Jack Plummer, RB Mike Boone Get Active-Squad Call
To fill in the offensive voids, rookie quarterback Jack Plummer and running back Mike Boone received elevations from the practice squad and will dress at Raymond James Stadium.
Boone will begin Sunday as RB2. He has seven carries for 22 yards this season.
An undrafted free agent, Plummer has participated on the practice squad all season, receiving his first call up Week 8 after Andy Dalton sustained a minor injury during a car accident. He has yet to take an NFL regular-season snap.
Defensive end DeShawn Williams on Saturday received a standard elevation from the practice squad.
@Panthers rookie QB Jack Plummer (16), walking off the practice field Friday, joined the #NFL team’s active roster for 2nd time … pic.twitter.com/1MYEWbg5gD
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 28, 2024
Will Pete Carroll Return To Coaching?
With the Chicago Bears (4-12) sputtering to the end with former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown serving as the interim coach, a series of rumors are developing over the opening.
Among the names being mentioned was former Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll.
Canales was asked Friday about the possibility of facing his mentor on the NFL sidelines.
“It’s all speculation at this point,” Canales said. “I think coach is amazing. If he wants to get back in the head coaching role and do that, I think whoever ends up with him has somebody who knows how to build a program, knows how to build a mentality about how to play football.
“Certainly, a huge influence on my coaching career and personally. Whenever and wherever that is, that’s an amazing get for that team and organization.”
@Panthers coach Dave Canales, a Pete Carroll protege, talks about his mentor being mentioned for @ChicagoBears opening and returning to #NFL sidelines … pic.twitter.com/WrhuDqbpAz
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) December 28, 2024
