Hubbard Rushes Back: A Competitor's Regret

Running back Chuba Hubbard revealed that his competitive spirit led him to return from a calf injury sooner than advisable. He shared that upon his return, he wasn't at his desired physical capacity, acknowledging that his eagerness to play for the team may have compromised his recovery. This decision appears to have impacted his performance, as he noted feeling "a little off" during his first four games back.

During Hubbard's two-week absence in Week 5 and Week 6, his backup, Rico Dowdle, seized the opportunity. Dowdle delivered strong performances, accumulating 389 rushing yards and an impressive 473 yards from scrimmage across two consecutive victories for the team. This demonstrated a significant impact from the backup.

In his initial four games back on the field, Hubbard recorded 34 carries for 96 yards and a touchdown, along with three receptions for 25 yards. Despite limited carries in a recent game, he managed 21 yards and contributed with two kickoff returns. Hubbard credited the offensive line for their blocking in recent successful plays.