Chuba Hubbard injury update adds more concern for Panthers RB's Week 5 status

Chuba Hubbard injury update adds more concern for Panthers RB's Week 5 status originally appeared on The Sporting News

There is serious concern for Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard's status for the Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins.

According to the Panthers' Thursday injury report, Hubbard was once again a non-participant as he continues to battle a calf injury that has plagued him since last week.

The only difference this week is that Hubbard has yet to practice, as compared to last week when he turned in two limited sessions after popping up on the injury report in Week 4.

Adding to that, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Hubbard's calf injury is worse than it was last week, which puts his Week 5 status in serious doubt.

"For the second straight day today, Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard did not practice today due to his calf injury," Schefter reported. "It’s similar to the one he played through last week, but worse."

Who is Chuba Hubbard's handcuff?

If Hubbard can't go, the Panthers will hand over the lead back duties to fellow rusher Rico Dowdle, who was signed this offseason to be the backup to Hubbard.

Dowdle has carried the rock 28 times for 83 yards and has five catches for 20 yards over four contests. He has played on 35% of the snaps, so Dowdle has been involved even with Hubbard in the lineup.

That means he's going to get a ton of work if Hubbard sits. Dowdle would be a borderline RB2 play in that scenario in a matchup against a Miami Dolphins defense giving up the 11th-most fantasy points per game to running backs.

More NFL News

• Xavien Howard explains reason behind abrupt retirement
• Chiefs, Cardinals named possible trade suitors for 2-time All-Pro
• Bills, Bengals projected to have trade interest in Cowboys defender
• Cowboys, Lions named possible trade suitors for 4-time Pro Bowler
• NFL insider gives hope Jacory Croskey-Merritt will break free of RB committee