McCaffrey out multiple weeks
Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring injury, according to a person familiar with the situation.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team has not announced the severity of the injury.
McCaffrey was injured in Carolina’s 24-9 win over the Texans when he pulled up after running a sweep on the team’s third possession. He had 31 yards on seven carries, but did not return.
Rookie Chuba Hubbard is expected to take over for McCaffrey as the starter, while Royce Freeman will also see carries.
McCaffrey missed 13 games last season with separate injuries.
Monday game added to playoffs
The NFL is adding Monday night to its Wild Card Weekend.
The league announced Friday that it will play one of its first six playoff games on Monday night, beginning with this season.
The NFL added a third wild-card team in each conference last season, and then played three wild-card games on Saturday and three on Sunday during its first weekend of the playoffs.
The new schedule means the league will play two games on Saturday (3:35 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.), three on Sunday (12:05 p.m., 3:40 p.m., and 7:15 p.m.) and one on Monday (7:15 p.m.). Wild Card Weekend for this postseason runs Jan. 15-17.
The team with the best record in each conference is the only one to receive a bye for the first weekend of the playoffs.
The NFL said the broadcaster for the Monday night game “is yet to be determined.” For the 2021 season, CBS and NBC each will broadcast two wildcard games, while Fox and ESPN/ABC each get one.
Ravens add four to COVID-19 list
The Baltimore Ravens put linebackers Jaylon Ferguson and Justin Houston and defensive linemen Brandon Williams and Justin Madubuike on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday.
The Ravens play at Detroit on Sunday.
Baltimore also ruled out tackle Ronnie Stanley, who missed last weekend’s win over Kansas City, with an ankle injury. Defensive end Derek Wolfe, who has dealt with back and hip problems, will not play either.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson was back to full participation in practice after missing Thursday because of an illness.
Odds and ends
Tennessee left tackle Taylor Lewan practiced fully all week and is set to play Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts after being scratched for the Titans’ win in Seattle . ...
Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins, who has capably replaced 2020 All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari to start the season, is doubtful for Sunday night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers . ...
Browns wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. made it full through a full week of practice without any issues with his reconstructed knee and will make his return Sunday against the Chicago Bears . ...
Saints defensive line coach Ryan Nielson, defensive assistant Brian Young and offensive assistant Dan Roushar will not attend New Orleans’ game at New England on Sunday because of COVID-19 protocols . ...
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is doubtful to play this week against the Miami Dolphins because of an injured ankle . ...
Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson will be a game-time decision against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.