Unless they can swing a trade for Alvin Kamara or Dalvin Cook, there’s no way the Carolina Panthers can replace what Christian McCaffrey means to their offense. But they can at least try to hold it down until he returns.
A possible reinforcement could come in running back Duke Johnson, who the team is working out on Friday. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 28-year-old back will get a look from the Panthers following the news that McCaffrey is expected to miss at least a few weeks with his hamstring injury.
With Christian McCaffrey sidelined with a strained hamstring, the Panthers are working out running back Duke Johnson today, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 24, 2021
Johnson is a decent dual-threat back in his own right, having amassed seasons of 61, 53 and 74 receptions throughout his six-year career. The former third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns most recently spent a pair of seasons in Houston, where he totaled 160 carries for 645 yards (4.0 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns along with 72 catches for 659 yards.
If signed, Johnson, of course, wouldn’t be expected to shoulder the majority of the workload left behind by McCaffrey. In fact, he may not even see more than rookie Chuba Hubbard or backup Royce Freeman.
He could, though, help give offensive coordinator Joe Brady some different looks and play this out by committee.
