Christian McCaffrey ruled out again; Panthers hopeful for return next week
Rhule said earlier in the week that he didn’t expect McCaffrey to play because of a right shoulder injury suffered late in last Sunday’s 33-31 loss at Kansas City. McCaffrey didn’t practice all week. McCaffrey sought a second opinion on what Rhule called an AC joint issue later in the week that gave a more promising outlook for missing only one game.
This will be the seventh game McCaffrey has missed this season after missing none his first three seasons. The NFL’s highest-paid running back with a yearly salary of $16 million missed six games after suffering a high ankle sprain in a Week 2 loss at Tampa Bay.
The Panthers (3-6) went on a three-game winning streak after McCaffrey’s first injury. They are 0-3 with him this season and have lost 11 straight.
Mike Davis will get his seventh start as McCaffrey’s replacement. Also look for wide receiver Curtis Samuel to take a few snaps at running back with Reggie Bonnafon ruled out with an ankle injury. Trenton Cannon also is available.