“Hope” was the prevalent theme for the Carolina Panthers not too long ago, when the signing of quarterback Cam Newton rejuvenated the entire franchise. Now, not even three full weeks later, it’s just about hopeless.
On Monday, the team announced they will place running back Christian McCaffrey on the injured reserve after he sustained an ankle injury in the Week 12 loss to the Miami Dolphins. Being that this will be his second stint on the IR, McCaffrey’s season has effectively come to an end.
The star rusher exited Sunday’s contest early upon “rolling his ankle,” as described by head coach Matt Rhule. Despite what sounded like a dose of optimism from Rhule during his Monday morning presser, the team will have to finish off the year without its top offensive weapon.
McCaffrey had already missed five games earlier in the campaign due to a strained hamstring. If the Panthers fail to clinch a playoff berth, the five remaining games he’ll miss due to this latest setback will bring that total to 10 for 2021.
By season’s end, McCaffrey will have missed 23 of Carolina’s last 33 games.
