Christian McCaffrey is banged-up once again. The Panthers’ star running back suffered an ankle injury during Carolina’s 33-10 loss to Miami in Week 12.
McCaffrey was never declared out or listed on the Panthers’ injury report at any point during the game. However, he played sparingly — logging 10 carries for 35 yards and recording no receptions — and coach Matt Rhule acknowledged that McCaffrey rolled his ankle in the first half.
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It’s unclear on which play McCaffrey was injured. However, he was spotted in a walking boot after the game, per Omar Kelly of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Christian McCaffrey is in a walking boot on his left leg.
— Omar Kelly (@OmarKelly) November 28, 2021
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McCaffrey has dealt with an ankle injury before. He missed six games as a result of a high-ankle sprain in 2020. He missed another seven games during that injury-plagued campaign as a result of a shoulder injury.
So far in 2021, McCaffrey has proven brittle again. He missed five games due to a hamstring injury and is now dealing with the ankle injury that could sideline him.
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If McCaffrey has to miss time, rookie Chuba Hubbard will once again be the backfield leader for the Panthers. Hubbard was the No. 1 back for the Panthers when McCaffrey was out of action, and he averaged 83.4 scrimmage yards per game as a starter. Ameer Abdullah would be Hubbard’s primary backup.
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