Are the Carolina Panthers hoping to smash and dash their way out of the backfield in 2026?
Well, they might've tried last season—alternating between Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard, when he was healthy, at the running back position. And, as noted by head coach Dave Canales a few weeks ago, they may be taking another crack at it this year—with Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks.
"Yeah, we'll definitely roll it out just the way we have been—where you have a lead back for the series, the other guy comes in on third down so they can be in there for the protection," Canales told reporters on Aug. 24.
"And also, we run the ball on third down. So those are good opportunities to just keep a guy into the game while the other person—whether it's Chuba or JB, we'll
make that decision when we get closer. But whoever the lead guy for the base downs is, they'll get the bulk of that rhythm."
Although that approach may frustrate some fans, and probably some fantasy owners, the Panthers will hardly be the only team splitting carries at that spot. Last year, the Seattle Seahawks had a lot of success with their arrangement between Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, and the Detroit Lions had done similar work with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery over the previous few seasons.
That said, it's difficult to see how either Hubbard or Brooks will get any momentum going for themselves when they're arbitrarily being taken off the field every third down.
Brooks, who has appeared in just three regular-season games since being drafted in 2024, is the far superior athlete. And if he is indeed truly healthy from his second ACL tear and proves that he can carry this running game, then he should get the bulk of the reps on first, second and third down.
But if Brooks can't find his footing after two years on the bench, then Hubbard should lead the charge as often as possible. The latter's edge as a pass blocker may also present some additional appeal.
There is one other possibility, though. The elder statesman for the running back room this year is AJ Dillon, who was their most impressive back during the preseason. Dillon will likely only be used in three-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust kind of situations, but he may deserve a longer look if neither Hubbard or Brooks impress early in the campaign.
Whoever's in the backfield, they'll have a good opportunity to begin the year. The Chicago Bears, Carolina's Week 1 opponent, allowed the league's sixth-most rushing yards per game (134.5) last season.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: How should the Panthers handle their RB situation with Chuba Hubbard and Jonathon Brooks?
