4 worst moments of 2020 for the Carolina Panthers

Christian McCaffrey’s injury problems

Christian McCaffrey was coming into 2020 having enjoyed one of the finest seasons of any running back in league history. The player became only the third to attain 1,000-yards rushing and receiving in the same campaign, which was another significant milestone on his way to becoming a potential Pro Football Hall of Famer down the line.

This was enough for the Carolina Panthers to give McCaffrey a four-year, $64 million deal with a $21 million signing bonus and $38 million guaranteed. But what’s transpired since then has been a body blow both for the player and the organization.

Things started well for the former first-round pick. However, he got injured in Week 2 against the Buccaneers that eventually resulted in a trip to the reserve/injured list thanks to a high ankle sprain.

McCaffrey did return for Carolina’s game at the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs before taking an awkward fall late in the contest saw the dual-threat back miss more time with a shoulder concern.

There was plenty to like about McCaffrey’s chances of making an impact after the bye week. However, the player injured his quad during a personal workout that has all-but ended his season at three games.

4 Panthers players who’ve improved since the bye week

Which Carolina Panthers players have shown some real improvements to boost their fortunes since the team returned from their Week 13 bye?

The Stanford product amassed 374 all-purpose yards and six touchdowns from just 171 snaps in 2020. This represents solid production from McCaffrey, although the questions surrounding his contract are bound to get bigger if he suffers the same problems next time around.