5 biggest questions heading into Panthers training camp in 2021

Can Christian Mccaffrey get back to his past self?

We all know that when Christian McCaffrey is healthy he’s one of the best – if not the best – running backs in the league. Coming off of the 2020 season where the All-Pro only appeared in three games due to injury, it’s a comeback season for the former first-round pick and something that might see the player lead the way once again for the Carolina Panthers.

I have very little doubt that McCaffrey will return and be dominant. But a running back making $16 million coming off an injury-ridden campaign makes everyone nervous.

If McCaffrey can never recreate his past dominance, it would put the Panthers in a nasty cap situation. Something that was a definite risk when they made him the league’s highest-paid player at the position last year.

The good news is Mccaffrey didn’t sustain any serious injuries. So he shouldn’t have a hard time getting back to 100 percent and he certainly looks the part from a physique and conditioning standpoint judging by Carolina’s early offseason program.

I’m excited to see McCaffrey dominate in 2021, barring any setbacks. Putting together a strong training camp is an important part of the process, although the face of the franchise is unlikely to see much in the way of carries during the preseason.