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In the latest Carolina Panthers rumors, the team has a talented backfield, but could be forced to move on from one running back after the 2026 season. While ESPN’s Dan Graziano expects former fourth-round pick Chuba Hubbard to lead the backfield come Week 1, it could change within the same season. Meanwhile, former 2024 draft pick Jonathon Brooks is back, and even though he’s dealing with “soreness,” if he has a breakout 2026 season, he could become the new starter. Brooks missed back-to-back seasons dealing with season-ending injuries, but after returning to the lineup, he has reportedly impressed coaches and analysts. It won’t mean the Panthers will trade Hubbard during the 2026 season, but he could lose his starting job. As long as he stays healthy, Graziano trusts that he will be RB1. However, how long will that last if he can’t? It’s too early to assume, but his job should be in danger, especially if he suffers another injury and misses a few games. In 2024, the running back signed a new four-year deal, which has him with Carolina through the 2028 season. “If Hubbard stays healthy, he’s the one in whom they’ve built up more trust, so I’d expect him to be the one the Panthers lean on to try to grind out games when they have the lead,” Graziano said. “The split should be pretty close, but it would not be a surprise at all to get to the end of the season and see that Hubbard got the majority of the work.” Panthers Rumors: Carolina May Eye $33M Massive Trade Another Rico Dowdle Moment? Last season, the Panthers saw potential in the former Dallas Cowboy, Rico Dowdle, who rushed for 1,076 yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries. Unfortunately, Carolina reduced his snap count once Hubbard returned. Dowdle was unhappy with the coach’s decision to use him as RB2, which led him to join the Pittsburgh Steelers to split reps behind Jaylen Warren. Could Brooks have his own Dowdle moment? It’s something to watch. However, a trade during the 2027 offseason involving the Oklahoma product is possible if Brooks handles starting snaps well through all 17 games. Potential destinations for Hubbard on the next pages