Chuba Hubbard’s preseason risk has increased after the Panthers classified his hamstring injury as week-to-week rather than day-to-day.

Head coach Dave Canales called it a legitimate hamstring injury after Hubbard felt something grab during Wednesday’s practice and underwent an MRI. The encouraging part is important: Canales said he is very confident Hubbard will be ready for Week 1.

For now, this is a risk increase — not a major fantasy downgrade.

Hold Hubbard’s current draft value for now, but monitor the recovery closely.

There is no reason yet to treat Hubbard as a likely Week 1 absence. But hamstring injuries can linger, and a multi-week designation this close to the regular season creates enough uncertainty to matter.

Jonathon Brooks becomes the biggest player to watch while Hubbard is sidelined. Carolina will give Brooks increased first-team preseason work, creating an opportunity for him to strengthen his place in the backfield.

Do not overreact to Hubbard yet. Do pay attention to what Brooks does with the opportunity.

According to the Carolina Panthers, Hubbard felt his hamstring grab during one-on-one work Wednesday and was sent for an MRI.

Canales described the injury as a “legit hamstring” and said Hubbard is currently considered week-to-week.

Carolina plans to be cautious with the recovery, but Canales expressed strong confidence that Hubbard will be available for the regular-season opener.

With Hubbard sidelined, Jonathon Brooks and Trevor Etienne will receive work with the first-team offense during Carolina’s preseason game against Buffalo.

Source: Carolina Panthers; head coach Dave Canales, August 13, 2026.

No panic. More risk.

The Week 1 outlook remains encouraging, so we are not aggressively moving Hubbard down the board based on this update alone.

What changes is the risk profile.

A legitimate hamstring injury with a week-to-week timetable deserves more attention than routine preseason soreness, especially this close to the season. Another setback or a recovery that extends deeper into camp would justify a stronger adjustment.

Until then, Hubbard remains draftable at his established value while Jonathon Brooks moves onto the opportunity watchlist.