The Carolina Panthers are in a bit of a conundrum in the running back position, as RB1 Chuba Hubbard has been very good in that position before getting injured, while RB2 Rico Dowdle has shown that he could step up and make the Panthers win after Hubbard went down with an injury.
This has raised concerns for not just Panthers fans, but also Fantasy Football managers, as both are good options to start. Both have been very explosive and proven assets in the Panthers’ running game.
Chuba Hubbard Outlook
The good news is that injured running back Chuba Hubbard is now back and practicing with the team. The bad news is that the Panthers have limited his practice as he continues to heal up, and this could mean that he is not at 100% just yet. He has so far missed two games because of his calf injury, and it is still very much possible that the Panthers decide to rest him up further and let Rico Dowdle continue playing the starting position.
Before he got hurt, Hubbard had been very consistent, rushing for 217 yards and averaging 4.1 yards per carry. He also had 13 receptions for 94 yards and two touchdowns during the four games that he has played.
Rico Dowdle Outlook
As for Rico Dowdle, he has been having the run of his career so far, stepping up in a big way after their RB1 went down with an ankle injury. He shined in that win against the Dallas Cowboys, rushing for 389 yards and became just the fifth player in NFL history to run for 200 or more yards in two straight games. This has had many people talking that he should be the new starting running back, especially with Hubbard still questionable heading into Week 7.
When Hubbard does return, expect the Panthers to do a rotation of sorts, with Hubbard starting some games while Dowdle will be starting the others. Still, this could be a boon for Carolina fans and Fantasy managers alike.
Verdict
With Chuba Hubbard having limited practices and still questionable for Sunday’s game, it should be safe to pick Rico Dowdle to start, especially with the monster games he has been having so far. It is still possible that Hubbard might return, but it could also be possible that the Panthers play both of them in that game, substituting one for the other as the situation needs it.
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