Carolina Panthers must remain cautious with Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey’s latest injury should be treated with caution by the Carolina Panthers as the running back gets set for a return to practice.

In perhaps one of the biggest surprises to emerge from the Carolina Panthers recently, it was the declaration from head coach Matt Rhule that Christian McCaffrey would practice in some capacity on Wednesday. This comes much sooner than expected after the running back tweaked his hamstring during the team’s win at the Houston Texans in Week 3.

While this development is no doubt exciting, the Panthers need to proceed with extreme caution where McCaffrey is concerned. The All-Pro turned out in just three games in 2020 due to various problems and Carolina cannot afford to have their face of the franchise missing for a similar period this season.

McCaffrey was leaned on heavily before he got hurt. Something that the player clearly wants judging by Rhule’s comments about the former first-round pick’s usage.

However, it might be time to save McCaffrey from himself moving forward.

This is the first step for McCaffrey en route to proving his fitness. The Panthers didn’t place him on the reserve/injured list for this exact reason, even though putting him out there against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5 would be a major gamble.

Chuba Hubbard didn’t play too badly at the Dallas Cowboys, even though touches were at a premium once things got away from Carolina in the second half. The production of Sam Darnold in McCaffrey’s absence is another factor the coaching staff should consider before deciding when to unleash the Stanford product once again.

McCaffrey will be chomping at the bit. Keen to resume his status as the league’s best dual-threat running back. Something he’s held for some time now.

If everything checks out medically and there is no obvious risk of the hamstring going again – coupled with McCaffrey looking sharp in practice – then that’s all the Panthers will probably need.

Bringing Christian McCaffrey back too soon would be a major mistake.

But bringing him back too soon just because they lost in Dallas would be a mistake.

When asked about McCaffrey’s chances of playing in Week 5, Rhule opted to take the wait-and-see approach but is sure to know a lot more after seeing his star player on the field.

"“I’m going to get to Wednesday and see. In talking to Christian — he’s going to come out to practice and see exactly where he is football-wise.”"

If it was up to McCaffrey, he’d be on the field in Week 5.

But the Panthers need to overrule the player if he isn’t at 100 percent.

He might not like it. And McCaffrey is one of the most influential figures within the locker room that has more stroke than anybody when it comes to his fate.

What comes next will be a collective decision. However, McCaffrey needs to be honest and trust what his body is telling him before coming to a formal conclusion.

Carolina is a lot better when McCaffrey is operating at the peak of his powers. Players of his caliber don’t go on trees and his presence was sorely missed at AT&T Stadium as the Panthers fell to their first loss of the campaign.

Their upcoming schedule isn’t what anyone would classify as difficult. So in that sense, the Panthers can take their time and err on the side of caution with McCaffrey.

Everyone will be waiting with bated breath regarding how McCaffrey comes through practice this week. But in terms of him playing on Sunday, don’t get your hopes up.