Update on severity of Christian McCaffrey ankle injury

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule provided an update on the status of star running back Christian McCaffrey after their loss to the Miami Dolphins. Christian McCaffrey was unable to continue to play on Sunday after rolling his ankle earlier during the game, returning to the sideline in a walking boot.

Christian McCaffrey’s injury update

“Matt Rhule says CMC tried to come back from rolled ankle and just wasn’t at the same level,” explained Joe Person of The Athletic.

After the injury and his attempted return, McCaffrey appeared on the sidelines again with a walking boot over his left leg.

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 a 8-3 record.