The Panthers won't have RB Jonathon Brooks (knee) for at least the first four games of the season. That'll leave the backfield to RBs Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders. HC Dave Canales said Monday that both guys will be involved.
Canales on the backfield: "That’s really the approach that we would hope for, to keep Miles and Chuba just continuing to spot each other as we go through it. And, of course, third downs as well, counting on those guys with protection and what they can do in the pass game."
Sanders was one of the least effective runners in the NFL last year, averaging 3.3 yards per carry and ranking 45th among 49 qualifying RBs in NFL Next Gen Stats' Rush Yards Over Expected Per Attempt. But Carolina's new coaching staff has been talking him up all offseason. Canales said Monday that Sanders "has looked fantastic" this offseason.
We're still fully expecting Hubbard to lead this backfield while Brooks is out. But the extent of that lead is uncertain. If this is something like a 65/35 or 60/40 split, it'll be tough for Hubbard to produce as more than a RB3 or flex play. If he can capture 70-75% of the work, he could push for lower-end RB2 numbers.
We'll break down this backfield after Sunday's opener vs. the Saints.
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