Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales is consistently working to develop an effective strategy for the team’s backfield. While running back Chuba Hubbard recently struggled to yield expected results, rumors about a possible trade have been on the rise. To address the growing uncertainty about his future with the team, Panthers’ insider Joe Person issued a definitive statement to clear the air.

“I’m told the Panthers don’t want to move Hubbard, who was one of the guys Canales leaned on while establishing a culture during his first season. The Panthers gave Hubbard a four-year, $33.2 million extension last year that includes a $4 million guaranteed salary this year and $4.5 million guaranteed in 2026,” he wrote.

“Given Hubbard’s value as a complement to Dowdle and a team leader, I don’t see the Panthers making him available,” Joe added.

Rico Dowdle’s recent performances were enough to earn the faith of head coach Dave Canales. Despite witnessing a downtrend in Chuba Hubbard’s past performances, the team is clear enough not to trade the running back anytime soon.

The trade rumors for Chuba Hubbard originated from his reduced role with the Carolina Panthers after he returned from a calf injury. The RB still has enough juice left with a solid career production to prove his worth and will likely take a secondary role behind Dowdle.

Statistically, Hubbard logged 26 carries for 65 yards (about 2.5 yards per carry) while Dowdle had 25 carries for 133 yards (about 5.3 yards per carry) in the two games since the former’s return. Dowdle totaled 389 rushing yards in two games and set a franchise single-game scrimmage record of 473 yards across that span for Carolina during Hubbard’s sideline phase. The stats difference, however, didn’t go unnoticed by the head coach.

Dave Canales applauds Rico Dowdle’s exceptional rise

Rico Dowdle’s recent performances prompted the Carolina Panthers to redesign their offensive strategy. The instance turned out to be a breakthrough moment as it came at a time when the Panthers needed stability in the running game.

Applauding the stark difference, Canales added, “We cannot ignore that Rico has been exceptional in a couple of games, and then in the opportunities he’s had over the last two weeks. He’s made some excellent plays. Love the tempo and violence that he’s running with. And these are all things that we’re talking about and working through this week.”

The Panthers are now expected to give Dowdle the starting nod in upcoming games. While Canales made it clear that the team will “lean into” what’s working, and right now, that’s Dowdle’s strong momentum.