The Panthers are expected to face the Lions in Week 11 without star running back Christian McCaffrey, according to a report from NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Panthers’ RB Christian McCaffrey is unlikely to play Sunday against the Lions due to his shoulder injury and the team still is preparing got a multi-week absence, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 16, 2020
So likely no McCaffrey and uncertainty about QB Teddy Bridgewater, too.
McCaffrey injured his shoulder in his first game back in Week 8 against the Falcons after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 against the Buccaneers. He has only played in three games so far this season and is expected to be out at least one more week, if not longer due to his shoulder injury.
We’re at the point in the season where at 3-7 we have to seriously consider shutting him down for the remainder of the year, because the Panthers — while mathematically alive — appear destined to miss the playoffs this year, and in a season with no potential for making the playoffs it seems foolish to risk further serious injury to your best player (who you’re going to give $64 million over the next few years).
The Panthers could also be without backup running back Mike Davis this week after Davis suffered a thumb injury in yesterday’s loss to the Bucs. Davis returned to action in the second half, but he will be another player to keep an eye on when injury reports start circulating later this week. If both McCaffrey and Davis are unable to play on Sunday, the Panthers would have to rely on Rodney Smith, Trenton Cannon and Curtis Samuel to carry the load.
Stay tuned as we’ll provide updates to this story as they become available.