CHARLOTTE, N.C. — With NFL fans embracing the new nickname ESPN broadcaster Chris Berman anointed to Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard last Sunday: “Chuba Missile Crisis,” questions emerged over his recent passing-game struggles blowing up more plays at Bank of America Stadium.
Berman bequeathed the moniker while describing Hubbard’s 1-yard, fourth-quarter touchdown run against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday. Hubbard’s scoring run and two-point conversion helped the rebuilding Panthers forge a tie with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions and disguise the tough outing he endured during the eventual 30-27 loss.
Facing a stout Chiefs defense that “stacked the box,” Hubbard, who entered Week 12 fourth in the league with 818 rushing yards, managed just four on two first-half rushing attempts. He responded with 54 second-half yards, but dropped three passes and hauled in just one of five targets for two yards.
In the locker room after Sunday’s loss, Hubbard was heard joking with teammates about his thumb. At the start of Wednesday’s practice, Hubbard shouted: “My #^@$!%& thumb.”
Panthers coach Dave Canales declined to correlate a possible thumb injury with the drops against the Chiefs. Through Hubbard’s opening 11 games, he caught 30 passes on 35 targets. Hubbard is known for spending extra time catching passes after practice on the JUGS throwing machines.
“I don’t know that,” Canales said after being asked if Hubbard’s thumb was affecting his receiving. “I know he works on it. He’s one of the first guys out there. One of the last guys to leave on the JUGS.
“I would expect Chuba to work through this:”
After finishing 98 yards shy of posting his 1,000-yard campaign last season, the 2021 fourth-round draft pick is projected by ESPN to produce 1,354 yards this season.
@Panthers coach Dave Canales on Wednesday declined to correlate a possible thumb injury to #NFL RB Chuba Hubbard with his struggles in the passing game vs @Chiefs … pic.twitter.com/OcWnlIuFq8
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 28, 2024
Panthers Practice without 7 Players
Amid another last-place season, the Panthers’ rookie class has inspired at least part of the impatient fan base to give the franchise a wait-and-see pass on this season. Two of the most intriguing prospects, fourth-round draft pick Ja’Tavion Sanders (neck) and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker (quadriceps), were among seven players who did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Veterans Jadeveon Clowney, Josey Jewell, A’Shawn Robinson and Adam Thielen received rest days and special teamer Lonnie Johnson an excused absence for personal reasons.
Canales said Sanders, who landed hard on his head last Sunday, likely would not play Sunday against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coker said Wednesday he was feeling “better.” When asked if he could return for the Week 14 matchup at the Philadelphia Eagles, Coker nodded confirmation.
Another player likely will show up on Friday’s injury report. Practice squad wide receiver Praise Olatoke suffered a foot/ankle injury Wednesday. A few teammates helped the rookie remove his right cleat at his locker. A set of crutches were next to his seat.
Olatoke downplayed the potential injury.
“I’m fine,” he said. “Another day, another dollar. That’s the game, right?”
@Panthers tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (0), who suffered a neck injury vs @Chiefs last Sunday, did not dress for Wednesday’s #NFL practice … pic.twitter.com/5LvtbFtW24
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 27, 2024
First Downs
- Canales confirmed quarterback Bryce Young will start Sunday, but again fell short of anointing him the starter for the season. In four starts since returning to the starting lineup, Young has produced two wins and is completing 61 percent of his pass attempts. “As he continues to show us just the progress that we’re looking for as he continues to earn these moments, then yeah, he’ll be in there,” he said.
- The Detroit Lions released outside linebacker James Houston on Monday. A pass rush specialist, the Panthers, who collected just 12 sacks before busting out with five against the Chiefs, have looked to add edge depth all season. Could an injury-plagued Houston, who compiled eight sacks in seven games with the Detroit Lions in 2022, bolster the Panthers’ line? “Not right now,” Canales said. “I’ll talk to (general manager) Dan (Morgan) about that.” Too late. The Cleveland Browns claimed Houston off waivers Wednesday.
@Panthers are going back to their classic helmets for Sunday’s #NFL matchup vs @Buccaneers … pic.twitter.com/GTo7n74PGT
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) November 27, 2024
