Panthers place running back Christian McCaffrey on IR

Associated Press | Saturday, October 16, 2021 4:45 p.m.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey did not practice Thursday, and he will miss his third straight game while trying to rehab from a hamstring injury.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers placed running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next three games with a hamstring injury.

McCaffrey already has missed two games, both Carolina losses.

The earliest he will be able to return to game action is Nov. 7 against the New England Patriots. McCaffrey will have missed 18 of 24 games with injuries since becoming the league’s highest-paid running back following the 2019 season.

The Panthers (3-2) host the Minnesota Vikings (2-3) on Sunday. Chuba Hubbard will continue to start for McCaffrey.

McCaffrey practiced Wednesday on a limited basis but was held out Thursday and Friday.