CHARLOTTE (N.C.) -- Christian McCaffrey, the Carolina Panthers runningback, will be out for at least a few more weeks due to a strained hamstring he sustained in Thursday's 24-9 win at Houston, coach Matt Rhule announced Friday.
Rhule did not rule out McCaffrey being placed on injured reserve while McCaffrey undergoes further tests to determine the extent of the strain.
Rhule stated that they are still performing a lot of diagnostic testing. "I can't tell if it is one, two or three weeks," Rhule added.
Jaycee Horn, a first round pick, will likely be out for the remainder of the season after breaking three bones in one foot. The family of the cornerback is trying to decide the best course of action for Jaycee Horn, including whether surgery or allowing the injury heal naturally.
Rhule said, "It breaks mine seeing these guys work so much and get hurt," Rhule also did not rule out injury reserve for Horn or safety Juston Birris who sustained a groin injury.
Horn tweeted Friday about his injury, saying that he would "be back stronger."
The toughest people are the ones who endure. It's a shame that I can't have fun, but I know the men will keep it down. I am grateful to all of you who wish me well. I'll be back stronger! I cannot wait to do what I love again! Let's keep it rolling! #KeepPounding #TheChosen1 pic.twitter.com/sBPG0I5q36 Jaycee Horn (@jayceehorn_10) September 24, 2021
McCaffrey sustained a leg injury in the second quarter. He pulled up for a 2-yard loop around the left side. McCaffrey spent 22 minutes in the medical tent on the sideline before he was able to walk to the locker room by himself.
Horn's injury was similar to McCaffrey's. The results of the tests Horn had in Charlotte on Friday are not yet known. It looked similar to Greg Olsen's 2017 injury to his right foot that saw him break the fifth metatarsal and miss nine weeks.
Rhule declined speculation on whether artificial turf or the short week were a contributing factor to the injuries. Rhule believes the Panthers are better equipped to deal with this challenge now that they are 3-0, which is the first time since 2015. McCaffrey was out 13 games because of injury.
Rhule said, "We're better football team," after going 5-11 in his first season as an NFL head coaching.
Veteran Royce Freeman and rookie Chuba Hubbard finished Thursday's running back game. Hubbard ran for 52 yards, rushing 11 times and catching three passes for 27 yards. Freeman had five rushes for 17 yards.
Hubbard, an Oklahoma State fourth-round draft pick, will be the first to play in next week's Dallas game. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers will be training former Texans and Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson.
Cameron Erving, left tackle, was asked if the Panthers would be able to sustain their success without McCaffrey. We are not the Carolina Christian McCaffreys.
Quarterback Sam Darnold stated that McCaffrey was "sad", after they spoke. Darnold stated that he told McCaffrey it was important that he did not rush back, and assured him that "we'll all be alright without him."
Darnold stated, "Obviously, we want to him back." "But I want him take his time and make sure he is healthy for the end.
