Panthers will be without a key running back on Sunday against the Falcons: Injury report
The Carolina Panthers will be without one of their top running backs Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons.
Running back Chuba Hubbard will not play, the team announced Friday. Hubbard is dealing with an ankle sprain he sustained in the team’s 21-3 win against the Buccaneers. Hubbard rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown on nine carries against Tampa Bay.
His absence means D’Onta Foreman will start, while rookie Raheem Blackshear will be used on passing downs. Interim coach Steve Wilks said practice-squad running back Spencer Brown took some first-team reps this week and could play as well. Blackshear can be utilized on the perimeter in both the run and pass game, and Brown may spell Foreman.
Cornerback Jaycee Horn (ribs) practiced fully on Friday. He is listed as questionable. The team is hopeful he will play. Donte Jackson (ankle) also was a full practice participant. He does not carry a game status, meaning he will play Sunday.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield practiced fully all week and was not on the team’s injury report. Wilks said Mayfield will back up starting quarterback PJ Walker. Last week, Mayfield carried a doubtful status and did not play against Tampa Bay.
Sam Darnold has not been elevated to the team’s roster yet. The Panthers moved him off injured reserve on Monday, opening his 21-day activation window. He threw with all the quarterbacks during the open portion of practice each day this week.
The Panthers are getting healthier entering Week 8. Darnold could be activated next week. Safety Jeremy Chinn is eligible to come off the injured reserve on Monday.
Linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) is questionable, but he played last week after missing two games. He should be ready to play. Defensive end Marquis Haynes returned to practice after missing two days with an illness. He is listed as questionable.
Defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (concussion) popped up on the injury report this week but was a full participant Friday. He is expected to play Sunday. Safety Juston Burris (hip) was limited on Friday. He played 49 of the team’s 67 defensive snaps.
The Panthers (2-5) can take sole possession of the NFC South lead with a win against Atlanta (3-4) on Sunday.
This story was originally published October 28, 2022 at 4:58 PM.
