It looks like the Carolina Panthers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey for at least another week. Panthers coach Matt Rhule announced on Friday that the team is listing McCaffrey as doubtful for Sunday’s Week 5 game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
McCaffrey suffered a hamstring injury early in the team’s Week 3 victory over the Houston Texans, and missed last week’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In his absence, rookie Chuba Hubbard has gotten the majority of the snaps, though Royce Freeman and Rodney Smith have mixed in as well.
McCaffrey was beset by injuries last season as well, appearing in only three of the Panthers’ 16 games. He has been electric in offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s offense when on the field, but after not missing a game through his first three seasons, has struggled to stay healthy over the last two.
In addition to McCaffrey, the Panthers will be without at least two more starters against Philadelphia, as they ruled both linebacker Shaq Thompson and tackle Cam Erving out for the game. Thompson has been a key part of the team’s markedly improved defense, while Erving has played 100 percent of the snaps along the offensive line. In addition, recent trade acquisition Stephon Gilmore is not eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list until at least Week 7.
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