The Carolina Panthers have undergone much change in the backfield that was headlined by the departure of longtime starter Jonathan Stewart via free agency on a two-year deal with the New York Giants.

It has opened up an opportunity for second-year running back Christian McCaffrey to take up a more significant role in the offensive game plan next season. However, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Charlotte Observer is reporting that McCaffrey won't see his usage in the passing game notably rise in the 2018 campaign.

McCaffrey’s carries won’t go up by much, but he’ll have 900 receiving yards this season. Look out for “that wheel route.”

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This shouldn't come as much of a surprise given that the Panthers have had much success utilizing him as more of a receiving threat out of the backfield. In his rookie campaign, he set the franchise rookie records in scrimmage yards (1,086) and receptions (80) last year. He was able to strive in more a secondary role in the running game behind Stewart last season where he was still able to tally up 435 rushing yards that saw him break 60 rushing yards three times.

The offseason addition of C.J. Anderson will allow them to take much of the same approach in 2018 as he could assume more of the role that Stewart had. Anderson is more of a power runner that is coming off his first career 1,000 rushing yard season in his five-year NFL career. He should seamlessly fit into the puzzle offensively while helping star quarterback Cam Newton continue to be a factor in the running game when needed.

There isn't any certainty at this point if McCaffrey will ever become a workhorse running back, but it is clear that the Panthers are looking to maximize his effectiveness in the passing game at least through next season behind a dual approach in the backfield.