Panthers Final Week 5 Injury Report: Carolina makes a final decision on RB Chuba Hubbard and rule out two defensive starters

Tough news going into the weekend.

Kole Noble — Chicago Bears News Writer
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Sep 7, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard (30) runs after the catch 27-yard touchdown reception during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.
Chuba Hubbard (30) runs after the catch 27-yard touchdown reception during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers are getting set to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 looking to rebound from a disappointing loss last Sunday, but it won’t be an easy task considering all of the injuries mounting across the roster.

Already, the Panthers currently have eight players on the injured reserve and had to make multiple roster adjustments throughout the week to address some of those positions.

The bad news on the injury front continued on Friday when the team released the final injury report, ruling out four more players going into the weekend, including the team’s top offensive weapon.

Panthers Week 5 Injury Report

PlayerInjuryW/T/FDesignation
RB Chuba HubbardCalfDNP/DNP/DNPOut
DT Turk WhartonToeDNP/DNP/DNPOut
CB Chau Smith-WadeChestDNP/DNP/DNPOut
TE JT SandersAnkleDNP/DNP/DNPOut
OLB D.J. WonnumHipLimited/Limited/FullQuestionable
WR Xavier LegetteHamstringFull/Full/FullNo Status
OLB Pat Jones IIHamstring Full/Full/FullNo Status
DT Cam JacksonKneeFull/Full/FullQuestionable
C Cade MaysKneeFull/Full/FullNo Status
WR Tetairoa McMillanCalfFull/Full/FullNo Status
T Taylor MotonRestDNP/Full/FullNo Status
DE LaBryan RayAnkleFull/Full/FullQuestionable

Observations

  • As expected, the Panthers have ruled out running back Chuba Hubbard. Rico Dowdle is expected to start in Hubbard’s place with Trevor Etienne and DeeJay Dallas as other options to consider.
  • Starting defensive tackle Turk Wharton will be out as well. In his place, Bobby Brown III and Cam Jackson will see more opportunities in the middle alongside A’Shawn Robinson.
  • Cornerback Chau Smith-Wade’s injury puts the team a little short-handed at the position. I wouldn’t be surprised if Kalen King or Michael Reid are elevated from the practice squad.
  • Wide receiver Xavier Legette was a full participant all week and expected to make his return after missing the last two weeks, and he’ll have some extra motivation to produce on Sunday.
  • Starting defensive end D.J. Wonnum is the biggest question mark going into the weekend despite being a full participant on Friday. It’s looking up for him, but if he’s unable to go, it sets up for even more opportunities for the team’s two rookie pass rushers.
  • As for wide receiver Jalen Coker, the team did not open his 21-day practice window to return. He is still considered week-to-week with a quad injury.

It’ll be a tough task to make up for all these injuries, but this is when the Panthers can lean on the depth players to step up. It’ll be a big opportunity for players like Rico Dowdle, Jimmy Horn Jr., and Bobby Brown III to show what they can bring for this team.

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