NFL: injured two weeks ago, Christian McCaffrey could return on Sunday

Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey says he “definitely” has a chance to play in Sunday’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

McCaffrey missed his team’s first loss of the season last Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys posted a 36-28 victory.

McCaffrey had suffered a hamstring injury the week before, in a victory in Houston. According to the initial prognosis, the running back could have missed several weeks.

“I definitely feel good,” McCaffrey said Thursday.

For a second day in a row, the running back participated in the training of his team to a limited extent. Head coach Matt Rhule said on Wednesday a decision would be made in the hours before the game in McCaffrey’s case.

The Carolina attacking handyman admitted he was frustrated with the injury after missing 13 games in 2020 with three different injuries.

McCaffrey said last year’s injuries didn’t make him cautious, and neither will this one.

“I play at full speed all the time,” he said.

Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has said he’s preparing rookies Chuba Hubbard, Royce Freeman and Rodney Smith to be ready if McCaffrey can’t play.

Rookie Hubbard of Canada led Carolina with 13 carries for 57 yards against Dallas.

“We know he makes us better,” Brady said of McCaffrey. We will see Sunday. « 

In 2019, McCaffrey became the third player in NFL history to collect 1,000 yards in both running and passing in the same season.