4 nightmare scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022
By Dean Jones
Christian McCaffrey’s injury struggles continue
After seeing Christian McCaffrey on the field for just 10 games over the last two seasons, there is a cautious sense of optimism once again about the running back becoming a driving force in 2022. The Carolina Panthers looked like a rudderless ship without the All-Pro last time around and if things don’t change, it’s going to hinder their chances enormously.
McCaffrey has been given too much to do over the years. This heavy workload has now taken its toll and the Panthers must figure out a way to maximize the Stanford product’s production with fewer touches moving forward.
The former first-round selection has also altered his approach to training and preparation after a conversation with Pro Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk about his longevity and how best to keep his fitness in peak condition throughout.
Carolina now has D’Onta Foreman to provide the hard yards in between the tackles. Chuba Hubbard should also get some work when McCaffrey needs time on the sidelines.
Hopefully, all these factors will see McCaffrey stay healthy and become the force of old. But that is far from a guarantee based on what we’ve witnessed over the last two years.
Should the Panthers lose McCaffrey for a consistent period of time, then all hope will probably disintegrate. It will also throw the player’s long-term future with the franchise into serious doubt along the way.