The Carolina Panthers got off to a red-hot start but have since fallen on hard times. Star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was placed on the injured reserve back in November with an ankle injury, has endured a second straight season cut short by injury. To make matters worse, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that McCaffrey has tested positive for COVID-19.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is the latest NFL name to test positive for the virus. The league has seen a recent outbreak of the virus, with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams being the two most affected squads.

Not only does this put a stop to McCaffrey's rehab, but it's the latest obstacle towards him getting back on the field and fully healthy, something that seemingly hasn't happened since the 2019 season.

Panthers fans won't be seeing the star halfback on the field in 2021 again, but they still want to see him on the right track towards next year- and this latest update certainly doesn't help that.

McCaffrey was made the NFL's highest-paid running back by the Panthers in the spring of 2020. Since that point, the All-Pro halfback has appeared in just 10 games for Carolina.

When McCaffrey gets himself right and healthy for next year, the Panthers may have to consider managing his carries in order to better protect their investment.