Chuba Hubbard’s Absence from Practice Raises Alarming Questions Ahead of Game

Well, the Panthers’ practice field was missing a familiar face this Thursday, as running back Chuba Hubbard sat out due to that pesky calf injury. Coach Dave Canales seems cautiously optimistic, tagging Hubbard’s status as “day to day”—which, in football terms, is a polite way of saying “we’ll see how he feels tomorrow.” Remember, Hubbard first flagged this issue last week, restricting his participation during the tail end of Week 4’s practices, yet he still managed to hit the field for over half the snaps and put up a respectable 69 yards on 13 touches. Meanwhile, it wasn’t just Hubbard on the sidelines; tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders, defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade also stayed out, nursing ankle, toe, and chest ailments, respectively. Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum wasn’t fully off the hook either, remaining limited with a hip concern. The Panthers’ injury report continues to shape up as a mixed bag—some hopeful signs, some lingering doubts—that could redefine their upcoming weeks. LEARN MORE.

Running back Chuba Hubbard (calf) remained out of practice Thursday.

Head coach Dave Canales called Hubbard “day to day.”

Hubbard popped up on the report last Thursday with a calf injury that limited him in the final two practices in Week 4. The Panthers gave him a questionable injury designation, but he played 35 of 69 snaps and had 13 touches for 69 yards.

Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders (ankle), defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (toe), and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade (chest) also remained non-participants.

Outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum (hip) again was limited.