Honestly, if you looked at the box score of a random Carolina Panthers game three years ago, you probably wouldn't have predicted Chuba Hubbard would become the foundational piece he is today. We’re talking about a guy who was essentially drafted to be a safety net for Christian McCaffrey. But looking at the chuba hubbard game log from the last two seasons, it’s clear he didn't just survive the "post-CMC" era—he defined it.
Most people fixate on the 1,195-yard breakout he had in 2024. That was the year he finally proved he could handle the "bell-cow" workload, specifically during that Week 10 thriller against the Giants in Germany. He put up 153 yards on 28 carries. That wasn't just a good game; it was a statement. He followed that up in 2025 by navigating a much messier backfield committee with Rico Dowdle, yet still managed to punch in two touchdowns in the Wild Card loss to the Rams just last week.
Breaking Down the 2025 Chuba Hubbard Game Log
The 2025 season was a bit of a roller coaster for Chuba. He started hot, seeing double-digit carries in every single one of his first six games. But then things got weird. A two-game absence around Week 5 and 6 opened the door for Rico Dowdle, and for a big chunk of the mid-season, Hubbard’s touches took a massive hit.
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If you’re a fantasy manager, those middle weeks were brutal. Between Week 8 and Week 18, he only hit double-digit carries twice. It felt like the Panthers were moving away from him. However, the chuba hubbard game log shows a significant late-season resurgence.
In the Wild Card round on January 10, 2026, Chuba reminded everyone why the front office gave him that four-year, $33.2 million extension. While Dowdle only saw six touches, Chuba handled 15. He wasn't necessarily "efficient"—averaging 3.5 yards per carry against a stout Rams front—but he was the guy they trusted at the goal line. He punched in scores from one yard and three yards out.
Notable 2025 Regular Season Performances:
- Week 1 @ Jaguars: 16 carries, 57 yards, plus 32 yards receiving and a touchdown. A solid "do-it-all" start.
- Week 3 vs Falcons: 17 carries for 73 yards. This was arguably his most consistent "grind-it-out" game of the early season.
- Week 13 vs Rams: 17 carries for 83 yards and a massive 35-yard receiving touchdown. This was his season-high in scrimmage yards (124).
- Week 18 @ Buccaneers: Only 5 carries for 10 yards. A concerning low point right before the playoffs.
Why the 2024 Season Was the Real Turning Point
You can't talk about Chuba's current value without looking back at 2024. Before that, he was viewed as a "replacement-level" back. Then, Dave Canales took over. The offense shifted to a "run-first" identity that actually made sense.
Hubbard responded by averaging 4.8 yards per carry over 250 attempts. That is elite efficiency for that kind of volume. He wasn't just hitting holes; he was creating them. According to NFL situational data, Hubbard averaged 3.0 yards after contact in 2024. He became a "plus" player—meaning he was gaining more yards than the blocking actually provided.
The most telling part of his 2024 game log was the red zone usage. He had 21 carries from inside the five-yard line. Compare that to his rookie year where he was barely a factor in short-yardage situations. He grew into a power back who could still catch 40+ balls a year.
The Financial Reality: Why Carolina Paid Him
There was a lot of noise when Dan Morgan signed Hubbard to that extension in November 2024. Critics pointed to the fact that they still had Miles Sanders on a big deal and had drafted Jonathon Brooks in the second round.
But the Panthers weren't paying for "potential." They were paying for the floor. Chuba is rarely injured, he doesn't fumble often (only 9 fumbles in 79 career games), and he's a reliable pass protector. In 2026, he’s set to carry a cap hit of about $7.5 million. In a league where top-tier backs are getting $12M+, having a guy who can give you 1,000 yards of scrimmage production for under $8M is basically a cheat code for roster building.
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What to Expect in 2026
Heading into the next cycle, the backfield is going to look different. Rico Dowdle is a free agent. Jonathon Brooks is finally healthy after a nightmare stretch of ACL recoveries.
The chuba hubbard game log suggests he will remain the "1A" or at least the high-leverage back. He's the guy Bryce Young looks for on third-and-short. He’s the guy they trust when they need to kill the clock in the fourth quarter. While Brooks has the higher ceiling as a home-run hitter, Hubbard is the heartbeat of that rushing attack.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Watch the Red Zone Splits: Chuba’s value is now tied to his touchdown equity. If the Panthers continue to use him as the primary goal-line option over Brooks, he remains a top-20 RB in all formats.
- Don't Overlook Receiving: His 2025 receiving average (7.4 yards per catch) was actually higher than his breakout 2024 season. He’s becoming a more dangerous threat in the flat.
- Contract Security: With $15 million in new guaranteed money, Chuba isn't going anywhere. He is the veteran leader of a very young offensive room.
If you're tracking his progress, keep an eye on how the Panthers handle the early 2026 offseason. If they don't bring in another veteran, it’s a massive vote of confidence that the Hubbard-Brooks duo is the plan for the foreseeable future.