Time for the Panthers to admit defeat with Christian McCaffrey
By Dean Jones
Saving Christian McCaffrey from himself
There is simply no point in Christian McCaffrey playing one more snap for the Carolina Panthers this season. The repercussions that would come from the running back going down again when there was no need for him to be out there do not bear thinking about.
McCaffrey is a significant part of the future in Carolina.
It is vital that the coaching staff doesn’t jeopardize this in any way.
If there was something on the line such as a potential playoff spot, then fair enough. But that is simply not the case.
The Panthers should not waste this luxury to keep their star player out of the firing line. Having him in the lineup would also jeopardize their chances of a high-end NFL Draft pick in 2021 anyway. So even though Matt Rhule is refusing to throw in the towel down the stretch, he must now concede that McCaffrey needs saving from himself at this juncture.
McCaffrey is a hugely competitive player who will obviously fight hard to get back involved at the earliest possible opportunity.
However, some common sense is needed from all parties involved despite how desperate McCaffrey is to help his teammates at a time where they need him more than ever.