4 Carolina Panthers players skating on thin ice ahead of Week 9
By Dean Jones
Royce Freeman – Carolina Panthers RB
Christian McCaffrey’s return to the practice field this week is a major boost for the Carolina Panthers. The All-Pro has been sorely missed since injuring his hamstring in Week 4 at the Houston Texans and the team is just 1-4 without his services this season.
This week might be too soon for McCaffrey, which is fine.
Carolina got some solid production from Chuba Hubbard, Ameer Abdullah, and Royce Freeman in Week 8. Implementing the same strategy on Sunday would be the smart way to go.
There is plenty at stake for both Freeman and Abdullah, who’ll probably be fighting for the No. 3 position on the depth chart when McCaffrey returns.
Considering how much the recent waiver-wire pickup flashed and his potential in the return game, Freeman needs to make every carry count or risk being on the outside looking in more than he already is.
Freeman’s found life difficult in terms of making a significant impact since he was picked up off waivers following his release by the Denver Broncos. If he’s outperformed by Abdullah against the New England Patriots once again, his future in Carolina will be bleak.