Well, it was a nice thought for the Carolina Panthers while it lasted.
On Friday, the team ruled star running back Christian McCaffrey as “doubtful” for Sunday’s contest against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. This will now likely be the second straight game McCaffrey misses due to a strained hamstring.
Here’s today’s injury report in its entirety:
| Injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game status | |
| LB Shaq Thompson | Foot | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| T Cameron Erving | Neck | DNP | DNP | DNP | Out |
| RB Christian McCaffrey | Hamstring | Limited | Limited | Limited | Doubtful |
| DE Yetur Gross-Matos | Ankle | Full | Full | Full | Questionable |
| G John Miller | Shoulder | Full | Full | – | – |
| OLB Haason Reddick | Neck | Full | Full | Full | – |
| C Matt Paradis | Illness | – | DNP | Full | – |
Though there is a microscopic chance McCaffrey goes out there for Week 5, as head coach Matt Rhule said his rusher will do some things “health wise” on Saturday, the team definitely knows they’ll be without Thompson and Erving.
The Panthers signed linebacker Kamal Martin up to the active roster this past week as insurance for Thompson’s anticipated absence. As for the open left tackle spot, rookie Brady Christensen and Trent Scott are the favorites to replace Erving.
