Raheem

Blackshear

Blackshear’s health normally wouldn’t change the fantasy landscape in the slightest, but with Jonathon Brooks and Miles Sanders both out, Blackshear is the next man up for RB2 duties in Charlotte. Blackshear’s absence would lock Chubba Hubbard in for nearly every available snap at running back in Week 15.

Blackshear was an exclusive rights free agent, so this was the only game in town. He saw 20 touches last season after that number was 33 in 2022. He’s a deep reserve who needs to maintain a role as a core special teamer.

Blackshear didn’t see many opportunities on offense last year, logging just 20 touches for 91 yards. He did, however, serve as the team’s primary kickoff returner. Blackshear averaged 26.9 yards per return on 16 attempts while also filling other special teams roles.

We knew that Chuba Hubbard was set to start over Miles Sanders, but what we didn’t know was that Raheem Blackshear would usurp back-up duties from Sanders. The former undrafted free agent got nothing going on the ground but was impactful on his few opportunities as a receiver. It remains to be seen if he has earned more chances, but he should remain on waiver wires outside of the deepest leagues.

Blackshear did not see a snap on offense in Week 1 and is now out of his special teams role as well. Chuba Hubbard will be the only backup active for Week 2.

Reich also noted that Miles Sanders is expected to “be the main guy,” but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Chuba Hubbard or Raheem Blackshear mix in occasional touches. Blackshear mentioned as a potential third-down option by The Athletic’s Joseph Person earlier this summer, but little has been revealed by the team on how touches could be distributed. While Sanders is the back to roster right now, either Hubbard or Blackshear could turn into deep stashes once we get a sense of how the team is prioritizing them in the rotation.

Person noted that Frank Reich was hesitant to mention players who caught his eye during spring practices, but Blackshear was one of them. His rookie season aside, Miles Sanders has been one of the least efficient running backs as a pass-catcher in the league. Chuba Hubbard has gotten some run on pass downs in Carolina but didn’t come out of college with a notable receiving resume. That leaves the door open for Blackshear, who caught 123 passes in five seasons of college ball, to take on more work through the air. Blackshear isn’t on the fantasy radar yet but will be a name to look out for once training camp rolls around.

Staley added that playing the running back position is like being in a car wreck. With 1,420 carries over a 10-year career in the NFL, Staley knows better than most the physical toll playing running back takes on players. Staley noted in the same press conference that he wants the team to bring back D’Onta Foreman in free agency. For now, only Chuba Hubbard, Raheem Blackshear, and Spencer Brown are under contract for 2023. Whether or not Foreman is brought back, expect the Panthers to add more starting potential to their backfield in the offseason.

Foreman popped up on the injury report this week and seems iffy to suit up for the regular season finale against New Orleans. A lock for 20 carries in positive game script, Foreman’s absence would open up a boatload of snaps and touches for Chuba Hubbard and possibly Raheem Blackshear if he’s sidelined in Week 18.

Originally signed by the Bills as a UDFA, Blackshear has been given the occasional carry with Christian McCaffrey no longer soaking up all of the touches. This was his second touchdown of the season, though he hasn’t topped six carries in a game. He is not on the fantasy radar for Week 15.