Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey hasn't played since Week 3 but it appears he could finally return on Sunday against the New England Patriots.
The team activated McCaffrey off the IR on Saturday and is hopeful that he will suit up. Via Ian Rapoport:
The #Panthers are activating RB Christian McCaffrey, with hopes that he’ll play tomorrow after being on IR with a hamstring injury. He’ll have a pre-game workout to be sure.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 6, 2021
This is certainly a boost to the Panthers' backfield. Chuba Hubbard has done a respectable job in McCaffrey's place, but having their superstar back in the fold is terrific news. He suffered a hamstring injury against the Houston Texans and has been sidelined since.
The Panthers are still putting together a respectable season, however, going 4-4. They beat the Atlanta Falcons 19-13 in Week 8 behind 203 yards on the ground from the offense, with Hubbard leading the way with 82 yards on 24 carries. The Canadian also had a touchdown.
Since McCaffrey hasn't played in five games, the team will likely ease him into action on Sunday just to get him slowly back into the swing of things. He participated in practice this week.
It's not an absolute guarantee that McCaffrey will take the field, but all signs point to it. Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold meanwhile is listed as questionable due to a shoulder injury and will be a game-time decision. P.J. Walker would start if Darnold wasn't available.
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