The Carolina Panthers could be getting a key piece of their offense back for a Week 9 matchup with the New England Patriots on Sunday. Per Adam Schefter, the team has activated star running back Christian McCaffrey off the IR:

McCaffrey hasn't played for the Panthers since Week 3 when he injured his hamstring. Given he's coming off the injured list, the former Stanford standout will return to practice this week. There's a 21-day period for McCaffrey to get back on the active roster but if he shows progression, there's a good chance he suits up against New England.

The Panthers have definitely missed his presence. They're currently 16th in the NFL in rushing yards and currently sit at 4-4 after a win over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 8. Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard has been getting most of the touches in the Carolina backfield, rushing for an average of 3.6 yards on 108 carries. He also has two touchdowns.

Article Continues Below
More Carolina Panthers News
image thumbnail
1 Carolina Panthers rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicampEnzo Flojo ·
Dec 20, 2021; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) exits the field after the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images. Panthers Dave Canales raves about Renfrow.
Dave Canales’ Hunter Renfrow update will fire up Panthers fansMike Gianakos ·
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) with the ball as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Amani Oruwariye (27) defefends in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Xavier Legette dishes on relationship with Panthers first-round pick Tetairoa McMillanBenjamin Adducchio ·
image thumbnail
Panthers’ riskiest move in 2025 NFL offseasonDouglas Fritz ·
Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales with QB Bryce Young and a silhouette of an American football player with a big question mark emoji inside. There is also a logo for the Carolina Panthers.
Carolina Panthers 3 best trade targets to round out 2025 rosterBen Strauss ·
Tetairoa McMillan, Jordan Brand, Panthers
Jordan Brand signs Panthers’ Tetairoa McMillanDominik Zawartko ·

Head coach Matt Rhule sounded hopeful earlier this week about McCaffrey's potential return to the field. Via MassLive:

“Yeah, he’ll practice Wednesday, I’m hoping,” Rhule said. “If he practices on Wednesday and he does well, we’ll see how he is Thursday and ramp him up towards the game. He hasn’t practiced yet. So there’s always a return to play component to it.”

In three games this season for the Panthers, McCaffrey has rushed for 201 yards on 52 carries. He missed the majority of 2020 with injuries as well.