Rico Dowdle earned the starting job while Chuba Hubbard was injured, totaling 472 yards from scrimmage in the two games Hubbard missed. Despite Dowdle’s strong performance, the Panthers returned Hubbard to the starting lineup on Sunday.
In the loss to the Bills, Hubbard carried the ball 12 times for 34 yards and scored a touchdown, while Dowdle ran eight times for 54 yards. With both backs contributing, the Panthers now can’t ignore the numbers. Coach Dave Canales acknowledged the obvious on Monday: Dowdle has the hot hand.
Hubbard understands the situation and is ready for whatever role comes his way. “My main focus is never solely about me. It’s always about the team and winning games,” he said.
Although his role might change, Hubbard’s approach won’t. “To be honest, I mean, you guys have obviously known me for the last four or five years. I’m someone who prides myself on work, work, work, work,” Hubbard explained. “Everything I do, I’m a man of faith, a follower of Christ, and whatever my journey comes with, I take the good and the bad.”
He continued, “In moments like this, I just continue to work. I’ve been through worse days and worse things, and people have scrutinized me for stuff all five years I’ve been here. But one thing is, I just pride myself on my work, like I said, and also just helping us get wins here. So, I do whatever it takes and just continue with that mindset.”
This season, Hubbard has totaled 94 touches for 400 yards and three touchdowns in six games. As the Panthers navigate their backfield options, Hubbard’s team-first mentality remains clear.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/chuba-hubbard-is-aware-his-role-might-change-but-it-wont-change-his-approach
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