Carolina Panthers end Chuba Hubbard's season over calf injury

In the United States, Chuba Hubbard, the Carolina Panthers’ running back, has been placed on injured reserve due to a Grade 2 calf strain, effectively concluding his 2024 season with two games remaining. The announcement was made on Saturday, December 28, 2024, following a limited practice where Hubbard was listed as questionable due to knee and calf issues. An MRI conducted post-practice confirmed the severity of his calf injury, prompting the team's decision to pull him from the remaining games, which includes the matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the season finale against the Atlanta Falcons. Prior to this injury, Hubbard had a standout season, ranking sixth in the NFL for rushing yards with a total of 1,195. He also achieved 10 touchdowns this year, marking the fourth highest rushing yards in the franchise’s history. His remarkable performance throughout the season earned him not only significant recognition but also resulted in a four-year contract extension worth $33.2 million in November 2024. This contract extension came as a recognition of his contributions and the production level that made him one of the standout players for the Panthers this year. With Hubbard now sidelined, the Panthers are in a predicament as he becomes the third running back this season to be placed on injured reserve, following Miles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks. In light of these injuries, the Panthers are expected to turn to Mike Boone as the starting running back against Tampa Bay, supported by Raheem Blackshear. The team is struggling this season, currently holding a 4-11 record and is slated to pick at No. 7 in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Hubbard ended his season on a high note, having a stellar performance in a Week 16 victory against the Arizona Cardinals where he accumulated 152 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. Notably, his last contribution included a crucial 21-yard touchdown run during overtime, which earned him the NFC Offensive Player of the Week accolade. His absence now is a significant blow to the Panthers as they aim to finish the season competently despite their struggles.