Injuries to McCaffrey, Horn sour Panthers’ 3-0 start

CHARLOTTE, N.C. » Normally teams would be fired up after starting the season 3-0.

But there is plenty of concern in Carolina after losing three key players in a 24-9 win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night, including running back Christian McCaffrey, who will miss multiple weeks with a strained hamstring.

The team may have lost standout rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn for the season, according to coach Matt Rhule. The first defensive player selected in this year’s NFL draft has three broken bones in his right foot and the team said Horn will decide after consulting with his family on whether to shut it down for the season.

Also, safety Juston Burris has a groin injury and it’s uncertain how long he will be out.

McCaffrey, a 2019 AllPro, pulled up on the game’s third series while running a sweep and did not return. McCaffrey, who missed 13 games last season due to injuries, appeared on the verge of a big game and there’s no denying the Panthers have a completely different offense without him in the backfield. McCaffrey’s mere presence allows Carolina’s play-action passing game to function, and without him the Panthers could really struggle in Week 4 against Dallas.

Chuba Hubbard and Royce Freeman are Carolina’s other options at running backs, representing a significant drop-off from McCaffrey.

Hubbard struggled to find room after McCaffrey left the game in the first quarter, but had a decent second half to finish with 52 yards rushing on 11 carries. Freeman had 17 yards on five carries.

The good news for the Panthers is quarterback Sam Darnold is playing well.