Matt Rhule provides update on Christian McCaffrey ankle injury

The Carolina Panthers got good news on Christian McCaffrey on Monday. The Stanford alum was unable to continue to play on Sunday after rolling his ankle earlier during the game, returning to the sideline in a walking boot.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule told reporters that McCaffrey’s sprained ankle doesn’t appear serious. His X-rays came back negative but they are waiting for a more specific diagnosis.

Rhule also provided an update after their loss to the Miami Dolphins. He said he tried to come back but just wasn’t the same. McCaffrey ran for 35 yards on 10 attempts prior to the injury.

McCaffrey banged up again

McCaffrey has battled injury most of the season, an issue made worse as the Panthers have dealt with a number of changes to their offense in general. The Panthers fell to the Dolphins 33-10 on Sunday, falling to 5-7 on the season after a 3-0 start.

The All-Pro running back missed five weeks earlier this year as well with a hamstring injury.

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

In Christian McCaffrey’s absence this season, former Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard carried the load. In Week Five against the Philadelphia Eagles, the rookie running back had his best game, rushing for 101 yards. The Panthers also added veteran Ameer Abdullah to provide experience and pass-catching. While neither provides the package McCaffrey brings, they proved serviceable in the Panthers’ win over the Falcons.

With Sunday’s loss, the Panthers are currently last in the NFC South, but not as far out of the playoff hunt as that would normally imply. The Panthers are a half-game back from the Falcons and Saints, who are both 5-6 currently.

After their bye week coming this next week, the Panthers close out the season with four divisional games including two matches against the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay currently leads the NFC South with an 8-3 record.

On3’s Austin Brezina contributed to this report.