The Panthers list RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) as doubtful for Sunday's game vs. the Eagles. McCaffrey practiced all week and is clearly making good progress in his rehab. But Carolina is wisely playing it safe with the stud back. Chuba Hubbard will again operate as the Panthers' lead back this weekend, but he lost passing-down work to RB Rodney Smith last week. The role leaves Hubbard as a lower-end RB2.

Oklahoma State RB Chuba Hubbard has landed with Panthers in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. Hubbard made himself a household name with 2,094 rushing yards and 21 TDs in 2019. His production slipped quite a bit to his final season, however, including a drop from 6.4 yards per rush to just 4.7. Hubbard brings plenty of speed, but he might not present enough all-around ability to turn into a lead back in the NFL. If he settles in as merely a committee piece, then the fantasy upside will be limited. Carolina's not a bad landing spot. Christian McCaffrey obviously stands to dominate backfield work for as long as he's healthy and with the team. But Hubbard could be the handcuff by the end of summer. He'll compete with Reggie Bonnafon and Rodney Smith for that honor.

Panthers RB Mike Davis (ankle) isn't expected to play vs. the Saints this weekend, ESPN's David Newton reports. So with Davis and Christian McCaffrey out, Carolina will be down to RBs Rodney Smith and Trenton Cannon. Look for Smith to handle the bulk of the work, but the matchup vs. New Orleans' top-ranked RB defense leaves him as an uninspiring fantasy play. WR Curtis Samuel should also continue to play a significant role in the ground game after carrying 7 times for 52 yards last week.