Panthers reveal RB plan for Jonathan Brooks, Chuba Hubbard for Week 1

The Carolina Panthers are heading into the 2026 NFL season with some uncertainty in their backfield. Jonathan Brooks and Chuba Hubbard could both be the starter, but with Hubbard a bit banged up, the Week 1 outlook is up in the air.

But with Hubbard trending in the right direction to play in Week 1, which is a few weeks away, how will the Panthers utilize this backfield?

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, Dave Canales revealed to reporters that the backfield is planned to be a committee between Brooks and Hubbard in Week 1, so long as Hubbard plays and is healthy.

Panthers to utilize committee in RB room with Hubbard and Brooks

"Canales: If Chuba is good to go, it will be RB by committee (w/ Brooks) in Week 1," Person reported Monday afternoon.

This is a significant update for the Panthers' backfield, as there's been some uncertainty as to what this RB split would look like.

Brooks has eight rushes for 23 yards and one touchdown this preseason, and one reception for nine yards. But for the past two seasons, he's been very banged up.

In 2024, he ran the ball just nine times for 22 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards before suffering a season-ending injury. He did play in 2025 due to injury, and now is finally getting his chance to play meaningful downs in the NFL.

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Hubbard had 134 attempts for 511 yards and one touchdown last year, as he missed time due to injury and saw his workload decrease thanks to Rico Dowdle.

While Hubbard is dealing with a hamstring issue, he should be back in time for Week 1, and if that holds, he'll be splitting time with Brooks in the backfield.

This is going to be a two-headed RB committee for the Panthers between Brooks and Hubbard. At least, to begin the 2026 season in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears.

After that, things could change depending on injuries or if one player is clearly playing better than the other. But the plan for now is for Brooks and Hubbard to get their fair share of work, as they split the Panthers' backfield touches to start the year.

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