Rhule on McCaffrey’s status vs. Vikings: ‘Could go one way or the other right now’
Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said Christian McCaffrey’s status will be a game-time decision Sunday, and he is “50-50” on whether he’ll be able to play against the Minnesota Vikings.
“Could go one way or the other right now,” Rhule said.
Rhule said Monday he was hopeful McCaffrey could play Sunday but didn’t seem as optimistic.
Rhule said it would come down to how McCaffrey feels on game day.
Meanwhile, Rhule said starting linebacker Shaq Thompson, who is dealing with a foot injury, will not play Sunday. He will miss his second consecutive game.
McCaffrey has already missed the past two games — against the Cowboys and Eagles — with a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. The Panthers (3-2) lost both games.
McCaffrey was limited in practice Wednesday.
Before McCaffrey went out, he was responsible for 41% of the Panthers’ total offense (yards per game). He has 201 yards rushing and 163 yards receiving in two games.
Without McCaffrey, the Panthers have struggled, particularly quarterback Sam Darnold, who has thrown five interceptions in the past two games.
McCaffrey’s absence has allowed rookie running back Chuba Hubbard to get some positive results. He rushed for 101 yards on 24 carries Sunday against the Eagles.
Hubbard became the first Panthers player to rush for 100 yards since McCaffrey did it in Week 10 of the 2019 season.
This is a developing story. Check back later for updates.
This story was originally published October 13, 2021 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Rhule on McCaffrey’s status vs. Vikings: ‘Could go one way or the other right now’."
