Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Panthers All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey doubtful vs. Broncos

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 12/11/20

Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is doubtful to play this weekend against the Denver Broncos with quad tightness.

Matt Rhule on Christian McCaffrey (who's not expected to play vs. Denver):
"I'm sure as a young kid, growing up watching the Denver Broncos and watching his dad, he wanted to play in this game. But it just wasn't meant to be."
— Joe Person (@josephperson) December 11, 2020

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said earlier this week that he expected McCaffrey to return for Sunday's game, but now it appears fans will have to wait even longer for one of the NFL's best running backs to return to the field.

McCaffrey has missed Carolina's last three games after suffering a shoulder injury during Week 9 against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was his first game off injured reserve after sustaining a high-ankle sprain against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Week 2 action.

The 24-year-old has appeared in just three games this season after signing a massive four-year, $64 million extension in April. He has been effective in those three contests, though, carrying the ball 59 times for 225 yards and five touchdowns while adding 149 yards and one touchdown receiving.

McCaffrey didn't miss a single game during his first three years in the NFL, including the 2019 campaign when he became the third player in league history to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.

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