Carolina Panthers update Christian McCaffrey’s injury status

The Carolina Panthers have designated Christian McCaffrey to return from injury reserve, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The All-Pro running back missed five weeks with a hamstring injury. McCaffrey’s return from injury is a welcome sight for the Panthers struggling offense.

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. Since head coach Matt Rhule took over as head coach last season, the star running back played in just six games due to a multitude of injuries.

After starting the 2021 season 3-0 behind McCaffrey’s league-high 324 scrimmage yards, the Panthers have fallen to 4-4 over the past five weeks, suffering consecutive losses against the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants. The team rebounded in last week’s meeting with divisional foe Atlanta Falcons, escaping with a 19-13 victory.

Carolina is set to play the Patriots this weekend, a team that has won two straight with wins over the Jets and Chargers. Christian McCaffrey’s return would provide a boost for Carolina, and removing the injury reserve tag is a step in the right direction.

Panthers without Christian McCaffrey

In Christian McCaffrey’s absence, former Oklahoma State star Chuba Hubbard has 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.

Head coach Matt Rhule provided an update on Carolina’s timetable, and how they will handle McCaffrey’s return.

“Yeah, he’ll practice Wednesday, I’m hoping,” said Rhule. “If he practices on Wednesday and does well, then we’ll see how he is on Thursday and just kind of ramp him up toward the game. He hasn’t practiced yet, so there’s always a return-to-play component to it.”

He continued: “But no one works harder than Christian McCaffrey. When he comes back, he’ll be in shape and ready to go. So hopefully we have him. We’ll know more as the week goes on.”

With every precaution in place, Rhule and his staff remain confident in McCaffrey’s ability to fight through injury and offer value to his team.

“Hopefully we get Christian back soon. Hopefully, it’s this week. If not this week, then next week,” Rhule said in his press conference. “Obviously, he’s one of the best players in football. He brings something.”