The Panthers are placing RB Chuba Hubbard on season-ending IR with calf and knee injuries, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter (and other reports). It's a surprise move after Hubbard finished the practice week questionable. Carolina's left with not much in the backfield for Sunday's clash with the Buccaneers.
Raheem Blackshear is the only RB on the active roster as of this writing. He followed Hubbard as the No. 2 back in Week 16 but carried just three times vs. Hubbard's 25.
Mike Boone also took a carry in that game and figures to come back from the practice squad for the final two weeks of the season.
Carolina also has Emani Bailey on the practice squad and might need to activate him as well.
RB Miles Sanders is eligible to come off IR after missing the past five games with a high-ankle sprain. The Panthers have yet to announce his activation, though.
Blackshear's in his third season with Carolina but has averaged just 3.4 yards per carry for his career and never carried more than six times in a game.
He's the best bet to lead the Week 17 backfield in touches, but expect more of a work split than the Panthers would typically deploy.
Try to avoid Carolina RBs in fantasy. Check our RB rankings for updates on where they land.
This doesn't look like a serious injury situation for Hubbard. Don't expect any longer-term impact.
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