Friday update: Panthers head coach Matt Rhule says that Christian McCaffrey is doubtful to play this week against the Eagles, per Ian Rapoport. It appears that he is extremely close to returning though. But for this week, Chuba Hubbard should get the lead role once again.
Thursday update — CMC told reporters on Thursday after practice that he “feels great” and has a definite chance to play in Week 5 vs. the Philadelphia Eagles. CMC has been working his way back from a hamstring injury he sustained in Week 3. You’d think with a long season the Panthers would be OK letting McCaffrey get as much rest as humanly possible. We’ll see if he is able to play. Expect a designation on Friday.
Wednesday update — Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said on Thursday morning that he’s “hopeful” McCaffrey will play on Sunday, but they won’t put him in danger, per NBC Sports Philly’s Dave Zangaro.
Carolina Panthers starting running back Christian McCaffrey arrived in full pads for Wednesday’s practice, per David Newton. McCaffrey did not play in last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys due to a hamstring injury he suffered in Week 3.
Fantasy football implications
When McCaffrey first suffered his hamstring injury against the Houston Texans, it seemed as he would be out for a few weeks. However, with CMC returning to practice on Wednesday, it might be a possibility that we could see him play on Sunday.
If McCaffrey does play, it gives the Panthers’ offense a major boost on the ground and in the passing game. The former first round pick has 201 yards on 51 carries, a touchdown, along with 16 receptions (17 targets) for 163 yards in three games. Without CMC in the lineup, the Panthers leaned on rookie running back Chuba Hubbard. Hubbard had a solid game against the Texans in Week 3 with 79 yards of total offense. He then followed that up in Week 4 with 57 yards on 13 carries and 14 receiving yards.