Panthers Star RB Christian McCaffrey Injured Again, Won’t Play vs. Buccaneers

Christian McCaffrey with Panthers in December 2019
Christian McCaffrey with Panthers in December 2019. Photo by John Mersits/CSM/Shutterstock (10512259c)

Carolina Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey came back to the team last week after missing six weeks due to a high angle sprain and played admirably in a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, McCaffrey reinjured himself in the close 33-31 loss against the reigning Super Bowl champions, this time hurting his shoulder. The team does not expect him to play this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is considered “week to week” while his right shoulder heals.

McCaffrey signed a huge contract extension this year that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. He got the four-year, $64 million extension because he is seen as more than just a running back and is equally explosive and hard to stop as a pass-catcher.

In his return to the Panthers last week, McCaffrey’s ankle looked great. He rushed 18 times for 69 yards and one touchdown. He also caught 10 passes for 82 yards and one more score.

The good news for the Panthers is that they have another excellent dual-threat running back to turn to in Mike Davis. Davis has shown that he can carry the load in the six weeks that McCaffrey was out and will be expected to step up again in his absence.