The Carolina Panthers are hopeful that running back Christian McCaffrey will return to the lineup in Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 3 against the Houston Texans.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule was very optimistic on Monday morning about his star:
Matt Rhule says he’s “hopeful” Christian McCaffrey will play this week.
— Darin Gantt (@daringantt) October 11, 2021
McCaffrey has been still finding his footing for Carolina after missing the majority of 2020. He’s rushed for 201 yards on 52 attempts for an average of 3.9 yards. The former Stanford standout has just one touchdown. Panthers backup rookie Chuba Hubbard has done a decent job in McCaffrey’s place, but it’s important to note they’ve lost both games since he’s gone on the shelf.
McCaffrey voiced his frustration with the injury of the short week leading up to the Texans game:
“It was extremely frustrating,” the Panthers running back said. “I don’t prefer Thursday night games. You go through a lot in a football game. You really get two days to recover, and one of those days is a travel day.
“You hop on a plane, you’re in a hotel, and you go out and play in a football game. It’s really tough. It is what it is. It’s part of the game.”
Needless to say, the Panthers could use him back after back-to-back losses. But, the Vikings rank 31st in the league in run defense so even if McCaffrey can’t suit up, Hubbard and Co. should have no problem doing some damage on the ground.
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