Tim Wigmore
Updated on: October 8, 2024 7:44 am GMT
The Carolina Panthers are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season as they prepare to face the New Orleans Saints in their season opener on Sunday. Key players, including running backs Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, are central to the team’s strategy moving forward. Head coach Dave Canales has detailed his plans regarding the workload and roles of the team’s running backs, emphasizing a collaborative approach to managing carries.
Workload Plans for Sanders and Hubbard
This time last year, Miles Sanders entered the season as the starting running back for the Panthers. However, following a slow start, he lost his position to Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard displayed potential as a quality lead back throughout the season, despite the team facing significant struggles attributed to a lackluster offensive line. As the current season approaches, Hubbard is the presumed RB1, but Coach Canales has made it clear that Sanders will still play a vital role within the system.
Canales addressed the delicate balance between utilizing a single lead back versus splitting carries among multiple players. “There’s value to both,” he stated during a recent press conference. He highlighted the importance of allowing a running back to find rhythm while also appreciating the strategic advantages of rotating backs to keep them fresh.
“The hope is to keep Miles and Chuba rotating through as we go through it,” Canales added, signaling his intent to leverage both players’ strengths throughout the season.
Miles Sanders Injury Update
As the Panthers approach their opening game, concerns regarding player health are paramount. Miles Sanders sustained a finger injury during practice on Wednesday when his hand collided with a teammate’s helmet. However, he returned to full participation in Thursday’s practice, alleviating concerns about his availability for Sunday’s matchup against the Saints.
Sanders, who signed a four-year contract worth $25.4 million with the Panthers in March 2023 after spending four seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, expressed a strong desire to improve upon last year’s performance. He contributed modestly last season, rushing for 432 yards and one touchdown across 16 games, but has been vocal about his determination to turn things around this year.
“I ain’t going to lie, I don’t want to talk about last year but it left a real bad taste in my mouth,” Sanders said recently. “I’m just ready to have a better season.” His commitment to improving his game is evident as he rises to the challenge presented by the upcoming season.
Team Health and Other Injuries
While Sanders appears on track to play, the Panthers are facing additional injury challenges. Tight ends Ian Thomas and Tommy Tremble have both been unable to practice this week due to calf and hamstring/back injuries, respectively, and have been ruled out of Sunday’s game.
Limited participation was also noted from offensive lineman Yosh Nijman (tibia) and cornerback Troy Hill (heel), who are both dealing with their own injury issues but continue to practice. Conversely, the Saints are also facing their share of injuries as they prepare for the game, which could affect their performance on the field.
Sanders’ Role in 2024 Season
As the Panthers explore their options in the backfield, Sanders is expected to operate primarily in a depth role behind Hubbard as the season commences. However, this position could shift depending on performance and injury statuses among the players. The emergence of rookie Jonathon Brooks, who is on the reserve/non-football injury list, could potentially impact Sanders’ standing within the team as the season progresses.
The coaching staff is optimistic about Sanders’ ability to contribute meaningfully to the rushing attack even if he shares responsibilities with Hubbard. This collaborative approach may enhance the overall performance of the Panthers’ offense moving into the competitive landscape of the NFL.
Gearing Up for the Saints
As the Panthers look ahead to their game against the Saints, the focus is on executing their game plan effectively. The team is particularly keen on capitalizing on their rushing capabilities, harnessing the talents of both Sanders and Hubbard to gain an advantage.
The Saints, like the Panthers, are dealing with multiple player injuries as they prepare for the opening game. Their cornerback Marshon Lattimore was a full participant in practice on Thursday after being limited earlier in the week, while other key players continue to manage various injury concerns.
This context surrounding both teams’ injury reports adds an element of unpredictability to the game, potentially impacting performance on both sides. Panther fans are hopeful for a robust showing from the running back duo, providing the team with a dynamic rushing attack that can exploit any weaknesses in the Saints’ defensive unit.
Anticipating the Season Ahead
The Panthers want to improve a lot in the 2024 season, and players like Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard will be really important to that success. Their coaches are focused on teamwork and working together, which will help both players make a big impact on the team’s offense this year. As they get ready for their first game, fans and experts are excited to see how the new way of playing together in the backfield will turn out in the next few weeks.
