The Carolina Panthers have already announced that running back Christian McCaffrey would be out for Week 6 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. But now their latest move points to an even lengthier stint on the shelf.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panther star is now in injured reserve.

Panthers placed RB Christian McCaffrey in injured reserve, meaning he’s out for a minimum of at least three more games.

The Panthers RB hasn't played since Week 3 after he strained his hamstring in his seventh rushing attempt of the game. The expectation was that he was likely looking at a three to six week timetable to return. Now with three weeks gone and at least three more McCaffrey-less games to come, it's become worst-case scenario in Carolina.

The loss of the former All-Pro running back definitely stings for a Carolina side that started off the season with such promise. After going a sterling 3-0, they've dropped their last two contests and could fall back to an even .500 should they taste another defeat against the Vikings.

But the Panthers are clearly thinking long-term with Christian McCaffrey. Hamstring injuries are always tricky and forcing the issue could wear the RB down even more should he attempt to rush back. Hopefully he's breaking down defenses again as soon as the three-game stint on the IR is over.