Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey returned with a flourish this past weekend.

The Panthers star had missed six games due to an ankle injury suffered in Week 2. But he returned to burn the Kansas City Chiefs for 151 yards from scrimmage and two total touchdowns as the Panthers nearly upset the defending Super Bowl champions.

Unfortunately for Carolina, McCaffrey picked up another knock against Kansas City. The 24-year-old sustained a shoulder injury, putting his status in doubt for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCaffrey was already being held out of Wednesday's practice. But now, it seems he has already been ruled out for Sunday, per Panthers beat reporter Joe Person.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network says McCaffrey is due for a second opinion on the shoulder, which initially was not thought to be a serious injury.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports Carolina will not shut McCaffrey down just yet:

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Regardless, this is a tough loss for the Panthers, who fell further out of playoff contention with last weekend's loss and also face a tough challenge against the Buccaneers this weekend.

Carolina had struggled to move the ball and convert red zone opportunities into touchdown in recent weeks. But McCaffrey's return to the lineup gave the Panthers another explosive weapon who hunts pay dirt.

Mike Davis figures to resume the running back duties in McCaffrey's absence. Davis had just six touches against the Chiefs, but he had previous moments of success as a multidimensional option when McCaffrey was sidelined with the ankle injury.

The Panthers will hope Davis can plug the hole in the backfield yet again as they wait for a further diagnosis of CMC's shoulder. Let's hope it's not too serious and the star running back can return to the field as soon as possible.