Chuba Hubbard’s season is over.
The Carolina Panthers placed their leading rusher on injured reserve with a strained calf on Saturday.
Hubbard was limited in practice Friday with a knee injury and was listed as questionable to play Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After practice, Hubbard complained of soreness and underwent an MRI, which revealed a grade two calf strain, according to the team.
Hubbard rushed for 1,195 yards — the fourth-most in franchise history — and 10 touchdowns this season. He is sixth in the league in rushing yards.
He becomes the third Panther running back to return to injured reserve this season, joining Myles Sanders and rookie Jonathan Brooks.
The move likely means Mike Boone will start against Tampa Bay on Sunday, with Raheem Blackshear expected to see reps as well.
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Hubbard finished his season last week by rushing for 152 yards and two touchdowns, including a 21-yard score in overtime as the Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals 36-30. He was named the NFC Offensive Player of the Week.
He also caught 43 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown this season.
Reporting by the Associated Press.
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