CHARLOTTE (N.C.) -- Christian McCaffrey, the Carolina Panthers running back, is not expected to participate in Sunday's match against Philadelphia Eagles.
McCaffrey was unable to play last week's Dallas Cowboys 36-28 defeat because of a hamstring injury. He had been practicing for three days on a limited basis.
Coach Matt Rhule stated, "Nothing more to add." He's been going. He's unlikely to play on Sunday. This could change. "I'm not going play any games."
On Friday's injury report, left tackle Cam Erving (neck), and linebacker Shaq Thomson (foot) were both ruled out of the game. Rhule stated earlier this week that he was currently preparing rookie Brady Christensen and Trent Scott to replace Erving, but didn't rule out the possibility of moving right tackle Taylor Moton over to the left.
McCaffrey stated Thursday that he felt good and had "definitely" the chance to play. The Panthers (3-1) are expected to play cautiously, barring any change on Saturday or Sunday.
It is possible that the Pro Bowl running back will be available to play next week against Minnesota.
McCaffrey would be replaced by rookie Chuba Hubbard as the starting quarterback for the second consecutive week. Rodney Smith and Royce Freeman would back him up against the NFL's 31st-ranked running defense.
Hubbard led Carolina's 13 carries of 57 yards against Dallas.
McCaffrey admitted that he was frustrated at the injury, having missed 13 games in 2020 due to three injuries. McCaffrey said that the injury was likely to have been caused by the "definitely" short week leading up to the Houston Texans game on Sept. 23.
He said, "It was extremely frustrating." I don't like Thursday night football games. A football game can be very stressful. Two days are enough to recuperate, with one day being a travel day.
You get on a plane and are in a hotel. Then you go to a football match. It's very difficult. It's what it is. It's part and parcel of the game.
McCaffrey became the third player to rush for 1,000 yards and receive 1,000 yards in the same NFL season in 2019. McCaffrey entered Week 3 leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage, with 324. He had 364 at the time he injured his hamstring against the Texans in the second quarter.
