Coach: Mccaffrey out “a few weeks” with hamstring injury

CHARLOTTE, N.C.» The injury bug has bitten running back Christian Mccaffrey again.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Friday that the 2019 All-pro running back is expected to miss “a few weeks” with a strained hamstring. Rhule said the injury could sideline Mccaffrey up to four weeks, but said he doesn’t know at this point if Mccaffrey will go on injured reserve.

“They are still doing a bunch of diagnostic testing so I can’t tell you if that is one, two, three or four weeks,” Rhule said Friday on a Zoom call. “Obviously Christian will decide the best course of action for him getting back as soon as possible.”

The news isn’t as good for rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn, who has three broken bones in his foot and could miss the remainder of the season.

Rhule also said safety Juston Burris has a groin injury, but it hasn’t been determined how much time he will miss.

Mccaffrey was injured in Carolina’s 24-9 win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night when he pulled up after making a stutter step while running a sweep play 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. Hubbard ran for 52 yards on 11 carries against the Texans, while Freeman had five carries for 17 yards.

This is yet another frustrating injury for Mccaffrey, who hasn’t been able to consistently stay on the field since becoming only the third player in NFL history to gain 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He missed 13 games last season with separate injuries.