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2026 NFL backfield

Carolina Panthers running backs

The current roster, the published replacement plan and the production behind each player’s role.

The published backfield plan

Published starter

Chuba Hubbard

Preferred handcuff

Jonathon Brooks

Brooks is the upside replacement if available.

Committee uncertainty: an absence could spread work across several backs.

View Chuba Hubbard’s handcuff breakdown

Week 1 analysis published .

How the work could change

A Sept. 8 report says Carolina plans to pair Jonathon Brooks with starter Chuba Hubbard and identifies Brooks as the change-of-pace option, while noting recent soreness. Brooks is the best replacement projection, with availability and committee risk.

A Sept. 8 report says Carolina plans to pair Jonathon Brooks with starter Chuba Hubbard and identifies Brooks as the change-of-pace option, while noting recent soreness. Brooks is the best replacement projection, with availability and committee risk.

  • availability_unverified
  • stale_availability
  • role uncertainty
  • availability concern

The full backfield depth chart

Every running back and fullback assigned to Carolina Panthers, including reserve and practice-squad entries. Chart order and replacement opportunity answer different questions: a passing-down specialist can sit ahead of the back most likely to inherit the carries.

Source: nflverse depth-chart feed · Feed dated Thu, Sep 10, 8:01 AM EDT. Equal ranks are ties. Unlisted backs are not assigned an invented rank. FB ranks are separate from RB ranks.

Carolina Panthers full running back depth chart
Feed orderPlayerScouting roleDraft investmentRoster status
RB1
Chuba HubbardPublished starter		Early-down runner2021 · Round 4 · Pick 126active
RB2
Jonathon BrooksPublished handcuff		Early-down runner2024 · Round 2 · Pick 46active
RB3
AJ Dillon		Early-down runner2020 · Round 2 · Pick 62active
RB4
Trevor Etienne		Change-of-pace back2025 · Round 4 · Pick 114injured reserve
Unlisted
Ahmani Marshall		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad
Unlisted
Anthony Tyus III		Role under reviewDraft history unavailablepractice squad

Every back: role, upside and obstacles

The player assessments below explain the skills that could earn work and the assignments that might go to someone else. Role labels describe scouting assessments; they are not confirmed snap shares. “Three-down” means a skill set for rushing and passing situations, not a guarantee of every down.

RB1 · Early-down runner

Chuba Hubbard

Age 27 · 6 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Carolina's clear-cut RB1 on early downs and a capable pass protector, but he has now had soft-tissue problems in back-to-back years. Head coach Dave Canales has said the backfield opens as a committee with Brooks.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

He is the starter in the dated board above. For fantasy purposes, the question is how much of the rushing and passing work he keeps when the whole room is available.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A starter can still lose third downs, short-yardage work or change-of-pace touches to specialists. His role assessment describes the skill set, not a guarantee that every assignment stays with him.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2021 · Round 4 · Pick 126

Drafted by CAR; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 15 recorded games include 134 carries and 30 receptions on 39 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB2 · Early-down runner

Jonathon Brooks

Age 23 · 3 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Capable in saved assessmentPass protection: Not establishedDated board designation: Questionable
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Former second-round talent with three-down tools who has barely played because of two ACL tears. Carolina plans a rotation with Hubbard, so he would see a big workload if Hubbard's hamstring lingers — but his own availability is the biggest question in the room.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

The dated board selects him as the preferred replacement behind Chuba Hubbard. That is a projection of the replacement role, not a promise that he gets every touch.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Chuba Hubbard. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2024 · Round 2 · Pick 46

Drafted by CAR; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB3 · Early-down runner

AJ Dillon

Age 28 · 7 years of NFL experience · active

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Positive assessment
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Big-bodied veteran who earned the RB3 job with a strong preseason as a runner, receiver and special-teamer. Useful short-yardage and depth insurance given the injury histories ahead of him, but a lost 2024 and a limited 2025 cap his ceiling.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Chuba Hubbard. The dated board currently prefers Jonathon Brooks for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

An early-down profile offers a path to carries between the tackles. A receiving or protection specialist could still handle third downs, limiting a full-workload takeover.

The saved assessment credits his pass protection, which can help a back earn passing-down trust. It does not guarantee a three-down assignment.

Draft investment

2020 · Round 2 · Pick 62

Drafted by GB; not necessarily his current team.

Early-round investment is part of his prospect pedigree and may support a chance to develop. It does not guarantee the next workload, especially after a team change.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 6 recorded games include 12 carries and 3 receptions on 3 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

Confirm the latest game-day designation. General active-roster status does not certify that he will dress or receive work.

Player research sources

RB4 · Change-of-pace back

Trevor Etienne

Age 22 · 2 years of NFL experience · injured reserve

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established
Saved scouting assessment — source review needed

Young change-of-pace back on IR to start the season. Carolina's plans behind Hubbard run through Brooks and Dillon; Etienne is a developmental piece rather than a handcuff.

Scouting assessment saved Thu, Sep 10, 5:29 PM EDT. Underlying citations lack publication dates; treat team-role and injury statements as historical notes pending review.

Path to more work

His path begins with an opening behind Chuba Hubbard. The dated board currently prefers Jonathon Brooks for the lead replacement role. Being next on a depth chart would not by itself guarantee the carries, third downs and goal-line work.

Ahead on the feed’s RB chart: Chuba Hubbard, Jonathon Brooks, AJ Dillon. Their roles and availability shape how much work could open up.

Why the work could go elsewhere

A change-of-pace role can create useful touches in a limited package. It does not automatically transfer to the starter’s workload; another back may fit the early-down or short-yardage assignment better.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

2025 · Round 4 · Pick 114

Drafted by CAR; not necessarily his current team.

A later-round selection describes his entry point. It does not rule out a lead role; demonstrated production and a trusted assignment matter more than draft position alone.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

In 2025, his 17 recorded games include 20 carries and 3 receptions on 3 targets. He has recorded work both on the ground and in the passing game; those totals alone do not establish pass-protection ability or a three-down role.

His roster feed status is injured reserve. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Ahmani Marshall

Age 24 · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Ahmani Marshall is a second-year player listed by CAR at RB, from Appalachian State. The official roster lists him at 6-1 and 225 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

Unlisted · Role under review

Anthony Tyus III

Age 23 · 1 years of NFL experience · practice squad

Back to depth chart
Three-down outlook: Not establishedPass protection: Not established

Anthony Tyus III is a second-year player listed by CAR at RB, from Ohio. The official roster lists him at 6-1 and 222 pounds.

Research checked Fri, Sep 11, 12:01 PM EDT. Undated biographies support background facts, not a current workload promise.

Path to more work

A practice-squad place keeps him available for development and possible elevation. Any offensive work would depend on an active-roster opening and a team decision to use him in the backfield.

Why the work could go elsewhere

The official roster verifies his current reserve placement and basic background but does not establish backfield rank, pass protection, a three-down role or a projected touch share.

Pass protection has not been established in the saved assessment. Missing information is not evidence that he cannot do it.

Draft investment

Draft history unavailable

A verified draft record is not available here. Missing data does not mean he went undrafted.

Draft record source

What the recorded workload tells us

No recorded NFL regular-season production is available in the two seasons shown. That is an evidence gap, not a zero or a judgment of his ability.

His roster feed status is practice squad. He needs the relevant roster or availability change before this becomes an immediate pickup opportunity.

Player research sources

The production behind the names

2025 regular season. Recorded production, not a projection. A missing stat line is not a zero.

Player comparison for the 2025 regular season
PlayerGames with statsCarriesReceptionsTotal yardsPPR / game
Chuba Hubbard
15134307348.4
Jonathon Brooks
—————
Ahmani Marshall
—————
AJ Dillon
6123811.5
Anthony Tyus III
—————
Trevor Etienne
172031070.8
Chuba Hubbard: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 127 touches
Wk 1319 touches
Wk 159 touches
Wk 167 touches
Wk 177 touches
Wk 187 touches
AJ Dillon: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 13 touches
Wk 23 touches
Wk 43 touches
Wk 52 touches
Wk 63 touches
Wk 181 touches
Trevor Etienne: recent touches

Carries + receptions, last 6 recorded games in 2025

Wk 120 touches
Wk 131 touches
Wk 150 touches
Wk 160 touches
Wk 170 touches
Wk 180 touches

Totals include all teams played for that season. Per-game averages use games with recorded stats. Source: nflverse player statistics.

Evidence behind the backfield analysis

Compare your next bench move

A handcuff is an opportunity to hold, not a projected starter for this week. Compare the room with other teams, then choose a game window that fits your league’s rules.

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