Carolina Panthers make huge decision on Christian McCaffrey injury

The Carolina Panthers were hopeful they would get Christina McCaffrey back as soon as this Sunday. However, it’s evident that won’t be the case — and then some.

According to the Panthers website, the team won’t be getting McCaffrey back for quite some time.

“The Panthers placed Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve Saturday afternoon, giving their star running back three more weeks to get healthy from his recent hamstring injury,” wrote the Panthers. “The decision was made after the team’s medical staff met Saturday to discuss the best course of action to get him fully healthy.”

Additionally, the Panthers also placed rookie guard Deonte Brown on injured reserve as well. The rookie out of Alabama left practice yesterday with a knee issue.

Christian McCaffrey placed on IR

It’s unfortunate news for everyone involved, as the Panthers offense has struggled mightily since McCaffrey went down. One of the main players affected has been quarterback Sam Darnold, who has looked more like the Jets’ version of himself in recent weeks.

In McCaffrey’s stead, former Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard has been carrying the load. Last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, Hubbard had his best game as a pro — rushing for 101 yards.

Over the next three weeks, the Panthers don’t exactly play any world-beaters. After the Minnesota Vikings this weekend, Carolina sans McCaffrey travels to play the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons.

While neither team strikes a particular fear into their opponents, neither did the Eagles. Of course, the Panthers lost to them in heart-breaking fashion.

After starting the season 3-0, Carolina has lost their last two games. Ironically, those are the two games McCaffrey was inactive for. It’s evident how important the running back is to their offense.

Last season, McCaffrey dealt with similar injury troubles. The former Stanford star played in just three games in 2020, which severely handicapped the Panthers offense.

Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady has gotten a lot of love as a potential coaching candidate. Without Christian McCaffrey for three more weeks at least, Brady will have to prove why he’s held in high regard. The Caorlina Panthers season depends on it.