Blackshear rushed eight times for 20 yards and recovered a fumble in the Panthers' 48-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. Blackshear got first crack at filling the lead-back role in the wake of Chuba Hubbard's (calf/knee) placement on injured reserve, but the third-year pro unsurprisingly found tough sledding against the Buccaneers' typically dominant run defense. Blackshear wasn't targeted in the contest despite being a proven pass catcher out of the backfield since college, but he could have a chance at a more favorable game script overall in the Week 18 finale against the Falcons.
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Status
ACTIVELatest Raheem Blackshear news
Team
Carolina Panthers
Birthdate
6/5/1998 (26)
Status
Active
HT/WT
5'9", 190 lbs
Birthplace
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Position
RB
College
Virginia Tech
Experience
3 seasons
Career History
Carolina Panthers
2022-Present
(3 seasons)
Buffalo Bills
2022-2022
(1 season)
Blackshear rushed eight times for 20 yards and recovered a fumble in the Panthers' 48-14 loss to the Buccaneers on Sunday. Blackshear got first crack at filling the lead-back role in the wake of Chuba Hubbard's (calf/knee) placement on injured reserve, but the third-year pro unsurprisingly found tough sledding against the Buccaneers' typically dominant run defense. Blackshear wasn't targeted in the contest despite being a proven pass catcher out of the backfield since college, but he could have a chance at a more favorable game script overall in the Week 18 finale against the Falcons.
Blackshear will start at running back in Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports. With Chuba Hubbard (knee/calf) joining Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) on injured reserve earlier in the week, Blackshear will be the next man up in the Carolina backfield, though he won't necessarily be tasked with handling Hubbard's three-down workhorse role. Since entering the NFL in 2022, Blackshear has seen the bulk of his action on special teams, where he's shined as a return man. However, the 5-foot-9, 190-pound Blackshear was an accomplished receiver in college, producing a 123-1,213-7 receiving line over five seasons between Rutgers and Virginia Tech. Blackshear should thus have some extra appeal as a lineup option or DFS play in PPR formats with the likelihood that Carolina keeps him involved in the passing game, though the Panthers may not ask the diminutive running back to take on heavy volume on the ground. Mike Boone and Velus Jones are also on hand as options out of the backfield and could carve out roles in the Week 17 game plan.
With Chuba Hubbard (calf/knee) slated to be placed on IR, Blackshear is in line to see added work during the Panthers' final two regular season games, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Aside from Hubbard, Blackshear is currently the only other running back on the Panthers' 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Buccaneers, but Mike Boone and Emani Bailey are on the team's practice squad, with Schefter noting Saturday that Blackshear and Boone (pending his elevation) are likely to share backfield work in Week 17.
Blackshear took three carries for 13 yards in Sunday's 36-30 overtime win over the Cardinals. The 26-year-old entered Sunday's contest without a rushing attempt this season, but with Miles Sanders (ankle) and Jonathon Brooks (knee) both sidelined, Blackshear stepped in and served as Carolina's No. 2 running back, playing behind Chuba Hubbard. Blackshear made the most of his three carries, averaging 4.33 yards per attempt. His performance in Week 16 likely solidified his role as the Panthers' top backup running back spot for the remainder of the season. He will next take the field in the Week 17 matchup against the Buccaneers.
Blackshear (chest) was a full participant in Wednesday's practice. Blackshear missed Carolina's Week 15 loss to the Cowboys after sustaining a chest injury the game prior; however, Wednesday's full practice session suggests he's already moved past the issue. The Virginia Tech product will likely have a larger offensive role for the remainder of the season, serving as the Panthers' No. 2 running back with Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) both on injured reserve.
Blackshear (chest) has been downgraded to out for Sunday's game against the Cowboys. The absence of Blackshear considerably limits the backfield options for the Panthers, as Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) are also on injured reserve. Mike Boone, who was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster Saturday, is expected to serve as the backup to Chuba Hubbard, although Velus Jones could also compete for touches.
Blackshear (chest) remained limited in Friday's practice, Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer reports. With Jonathon Brooks (knee) and Miles Sanders (ankle) both on injured reserve, Blackshear is suddenly Carolina's RB2 behind Chuba Hubbard. Behind him on the depth chart is WR turned RB Velus Jones, so Blackshear's availability is important. Back-to-back limited practices after a Wednesday DNP would suggest Blackshear has a decent chance to play Sunday against Dallas.
Blackshear (chest) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice. Blackshear was unable to practice in any capacity Wednesday, so it's encouraging to see his activity level increase. With Jonathon Brooks (knee - ACL) done for the year, Blackshear could see increased depth opportunities behind starter Chuba Hubbard if he's able to suit up for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.
Blackshear (chest) didn't practice Wednesday, David Newton of ESPN.com reports. Blackshear's absence from Wednesday's practice comes as no surprise, as the Virginia Tech product sustained a serious-looking chest injury in the Panthers' Week 14 loss to the Eagles. While he's since been released from the hospital and doesn't appear to be sidelined for a long period of time, he'll likely need to upgrade to at least limited participation Thursday or Friday in order to play in Sunday's game against the Cowboys.