Panthers’ McCaffrey could be out for up to four weeks
The injury bug has bitten running back Christian McCaffrey again.
Carolina 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. “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.
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.
This is yet another frustrating injury for the former Stanford star, 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 in 2020 with separate injuries.
McCaffrey was off to another solid start this season for the unbeaten Panthers with 201 yards rushing on 52 carries and one touchdown, along with 16 receptions for 163 yards. BROWNS’ BECKHAM JR. GOOD TOGO>> Odell Beckham Jr. has been cleared for takeoff.
The star Browns wide receiver made it full through a full week of practice without any issues with his reconstructed knee and coach Kevin Stefanski said that Beckham will make his return Sunday against the Chicago Bears.
Beckham hasn’t played since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament on Oct. 25 against Cincinnati, an injury that kept him out during the Browns’ playoff run. JETS’ OFFENSE TAKES HIT
>> The New York Jets’ offense will likely be without two veteran playmakers in Denver.
Running back Tevin Coleman was ruled out for the game against the Broncos on Sunday with a nonCOVID-19 illness. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder is doubtful after not practicing all week because of a groin injury.
RAVENS PLACE FOUR ON COVID 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.
The Ravens play at Detroit on Sunday.
MONDAY NIGHT WILD CARD
>> The NFL is adding Monday night to its Wild Card Weekend.
The league announced that it will play one of its first six playoff games on Monday night, beginning 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.
The new schedule means the league will play two games on Saturday, three on Sunday and one on Monday.