Considering their lack of depth along the offensive line, the Carolina Panthers couldn’t afford to journey through the 2021 campaign with injuries in those trenches. Well, tough noogies.
The team will have to absorb another hit, this time with starting left guard Pat Elflein. Head coach Matt Rhule, when speaking to reporters on Monday, confidently stated that he doesn’t see Elflein making it to the field on time for Thursday night’s contest against the Houston Texans.
“I don’t expect Elflein to play,” Rhule said. “I’d say he’s out for the game.”
The sixth-year veteran left yesterday’s upset win over the New Orleans Saints due to a hamstring injury. The versatile Dennis Daley took over for Elflein upon his exit early in the second quarter and will start in his place this week.
Carolina won’t, however, have to worry about its superstar running back for the quick turnaround. Rhule, when asked if there were any notable restrictions on Christian McCaffrey moving forward, gave a simple answer.
“No. No concerns.”
McCaffrey did sit out for a few plays in the Week 2 victory with cramping. That figures to happen from time to time when you touch the ball as much as this particular guy does.
