Panthers coach mum on starting running back vs. Jets
Sep 14, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales enters the field prior to the first half against the Arizona Cardinals the at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales wasn't showing his hand in terms of how he envisions to distribute the workload between running backs Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle for Sunday's game at the New York Jets.
Hubbard participated in practice on Friday and will not carry an injury designation into Sunday's game versus the Jets (0-6) after sitting out the Panthers' previous two contests with a calf injury. Dowdle flourished in his place, erupting for 473 yards and two touchdowns from scrimmage in a pair of wins for Carolina (3-3).
"Just counting on both guys to execute when they're in there and it allows me to just call the next play," Canales said on Friday. "I don't have to really overthink who's in the game as far as what we want to execute in the running game, in the pass game. So, just excited about the opportunity to have both guys help us."
After being pressed for more information on his plan, Canales was quick with his response.
"We'll see on Sunday," he said.
Hubbard rushed for 217 yards on 53 carries in his four games before being injured.
--Field Level Media
Zac Taylor Somehow Survived Insane AFC North Shake Up
How John Harbaugh Froze the 2026 NFL Coaching Carousel
- Texans vs Steelers Wild Card Pick: Top Monday Night Football Playoff Predictions
- NBA Picks and Predictions for January 11th: Best Bets for Sunday
- NFL Playoff Sunday January 11th Picks: Top Wild Card Bets
- College Basketball Picks Today: Saturday January 10th Best Bets
- Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears NFL Playoffs Wild Card Betting Picks
- Washington Capitals vs. Chicago Blackhawks Betting Pick January 9th
- NFL Wild Card Weekend Player Props: Best Bets for the 2026 Playoffs

