The Carolina Panthers could be getting some much-needed help at running back sooner than later.
The Carolina Panthers are off to a 1-1 start this season, falling to the Chicago Bears before beating the Atlanta Falcons. As they prepare for a game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 3, the hope is that Carolina can get another win and move to 2-1.
The one thing from both games that has been noticeable is how well they have played on offense.
Through two games this season, Carolina's offense is second in the NFL in points per game at 35.5. They only trail the Buffalo Bills in that category. With Carolina's offense firing on all cylinders, the Week 2 win cost them a running back.
Jonathon Brooks left the game early and did not return. A few days later, Carolina put him on injured reserve, which means he's out for at least four weeks. The Panthers had hoped for Brooks and Chuba Hubbard to be their duo in the backfield for the season. But now, it's Hubbard's backfield, and the plan is to rotate other backs.
Carolina has AJ Dillon still who will backup Hubbard and Anthony "Tre" Tyus III who will be active in Week 3. But there could be more help on the way sooner than later.
Joe Person of The Athletic reported earlier in the week that Trevor Etienne expects to return to the active roster when his time on injured reserve is up. Etienne is dealing with a high ankle sprain and has missed the start of the season so far. With this being his second season, the hope is that Etienne can get on a roll and contribute to the run game for this offense.
While Dillon is a good veteran and Hubbard can lead the way, the Panthers need some more depth behind them just in case. The earliest Etienne can return is Week 6, right after the Panthers Week 5 bye week. We will have to keep an eye on whether or not he returns right away and can get on the field to earn some reps.
As for now, the Panthers are set to go with Hubbard as that lead back. Through two games, he has 22 carries for 102 yards and a touchdown. Most of Carolina's offense has been through the air with the pass game under Bryce Young. So the focus will be getting that run game going to complement them and not make the offense truly one-dimensional.
