4 injured Carolina Panthers players who should bounce back in 2022
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers RB
There was a huge microscope on Christian McCaffrey after the running back turned out just three times for the Carolina Panthers in 2020. Things got off to an encouraging start over the first two games, but another injury problem in Week 3 at the Houston Texans began another concerning trend that eventually saw the All-Pro feature in seven contests.
McCaffrey’s lack of availability impacted the Panthers in a big way. The offense was once again devoid of inspiration and ideas without the former first-round pick, which eventually saw Sam Darnold regress considerably and coordinator Joe Brady fired midway through the bye week.
No, there is every chance McCaffrey can alter his training and overall approach to bounce back after two disappointing years. But that is no guarantee right now.
This has to be a collective effort from the player and the coaching staff to come up with the best possible solution regarding keeping McCaffrey fresh and maximizing his impact. Not an easy task, but not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.
If things continue in a similar fashion where McCaffrey is concerned next season, then the Panthers will no doubt consider removing the dual-threat weapon from the equation.
That would seem almost unfathomable after the 2019 season. But there is no point keeping McCaffrey around if he’s spending all his time on the sidelines or in the treatment room.