Panthers reveal Week 1 plans for RBs Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks

There will be no bell-cow for the Carolina Panthers . . . at least to start the 2026 campaign.

Head coach Dave Canales spoke with reporters following Monday's outing of training camp, and touched on the outlook of his offense's rushing game. He was first asked if he expects starting running back Chuba Hubbard, who has been dealing with a hamstring injury, to be ready for Week 1.

"Absolutely," Canales replied. "He's expected to be ready for Week 1. I think he hit over 20 miles an hour the other day in RTP [return-to-play]. But, that's in a controlled setting—and, right now, we didn't wanna put him back out there. He's not ready for someone to pull on his jersey, for him to pull through that. But he's ahead of schedule. He's doing a great job."

Canales initially described Hubbard's hamstring injury as "legit" back on Aug. 13, where he was seen sporting a sleeve on his right leg during practice.

With Hubbard sidelined, third-year back Jonathon Brooks served as the No. 1 option for the starting offense in the last two preseason contests. The 2024 second-round pick has taken eight carries for 23 yards and a touchdown between Carolina's matchups with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Later on in his presser, Canales was asked about the plans—as long as Hubbard is available—for the backfield in Week 1.

"Yeah, we'll definitely roll it out just the way we have been—where you have a lead back for the series, the other guy comes in on third down so they can be in there for the protection," he stated.

"And also, we run the ball on third down. So those are good opportunities to just keep a guy into the game while the other person—whether it's Chuba or JB, we'll make that decision when we get closer. But whoever the lead guy for the base downs is, they'll get the bulk of that rhythm."

Hubbard also hit the lectern after this morning's session, and said that he feels "good" and "healthy."

The Panthers will kick off their 2026 regular season against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Sept. 13.

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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers reveal Week 1 plans for RBs Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks