Hubbard rushed nine times for 48 yards and caught both of his targets for eight yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 41-17 loss to the Buccaneers.
Analysis: Hubbard was productive despite seeing fellow tailback Ameer Abdullah lead the Panthers with 16 touches. The rookie's presence was felt early on, as Hubbard hauled in a two-yard touchdown to cap Carolina's opening drive. Afterward, he was efficient on the ground overall, helped by a long gain of 19 yards. With star Christian McCaffrey (ankle) playing just seven games this season, Hubbard was forced into an expanded role, starting 10 games. The fourth-rounder finished with 172 carries for 612 yards and five touchdowns while catching 25 of 37 targets 174 yards and another score. Given McCaffrey's injury history and hefty contract, the Panthers may try to trade him this offseason. Whether they find a taker or not, Hubbard proved to be a solid backup capable of starting if required during his rookie campaign.
Chuba Hubbard Scores in defeat
Hubbard rushed 17 times for 55 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 18-10 loss to the Saints. He also caught three of four targets for 13 yards.
Analysis: Hubbard scored the game's first touchdown by taking a toss 21 yards into the end zone to begin the second quarter. That play tied for Hubbard's second-longest rush of his rookie campaign and helped compensate for an otherwise difficult day on the ground. With 20 total touches, though, Hubbard was comfortably Carolina's most utilized tailback, with backup Ameer Abdullah getting the ball 10 times on offense. Despite having another tough matchup in Week 18 versus the Buccaneers, Hubbard's leading role gives him decent value.
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