Panthers coach Matt Rhule doesn't expect Christian McCaffrey to play vs. Packers

[Prowler2k18]

From NFL.com

Christian McCaffrey's fight to return to game action likely won't see an end in Week 15.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters he does not think Christian McCaffrey will play Saturday against the Green Bay Packers, per the Associated Press' Steve Reed, due to shoulder and thigh issues. Rhule added his belief could change if McCaffrey can practice Wednesday, but as of Tuesday, the coach doesn't expect McCaffrey to play.

McCaffrey has missed the majority of the season due to injury, first to his ankle and now his current combination of ailments. McCaffrey has only played in three games, with his most recent outing coming in Week 9. Prior to that contest, McCaffrey played in Weeks 1 and 2 before suffering the ankle issue in a loss to Tampa Bay.

Carolina's offense has been forced to proceed without the star running back, who has ceded his place to Mike Davis. The backup has rushed for 555 yards and five touchdowns on 137 attempts in 13 games played (10 starts). As an offense, the Panthers rank 19th in yards per game, with the bulk of their production coming from their 15th-ranked passing offense.

[TheSpecialJuan]

excellent news 

[Mr. Scot]

Rhule has been talking like he still expects him to play at some point this season, but I'm not really sure that's gonna happen.

(and I won't be that upset if it doesn't)

[LinvilleGorge]

Good. CMC needs to be done for the season. Playing him at this point is all risk and no reward.

[Prowler2k18]

10 minutes ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

excellent news 

Naturally I’d disagree but with a losing record and top 10 draft pick likely, they would be wise to shut him down for the season.

[nctarheelreincarnated]

5 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

Good. CMC needs to be done for the season. Playing him at this point is all risk and no reward.

Yeah, I believe the whole staff is in on the tank now. No way this dude is not healthy. Just no way at this point. 

[Prowler2k18]

9 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

Rhule has been talking like he still expects him to play at some point this season, but I'm not really sure that's gonna happen.

(and I won't be that upset if it doesn't)

I think they’re publicly holding out hope but with each passing week it appears unlikely. It’s too risky.

[hepcat]

Good. HE SUCKS!!!

Just kidding CMC is amazing but I'm super glad he's not going to play in any more meaningless games this season.

[musicman]

No, I actually think he needs to play, if anything to see if Teddy is better because of it. Does it really open up the offense? We need to know what we can do next year and with who. So him playing with give us a more accurate reading of that. 

[LinvilleGorge]

Just now, musicman said:

No, I actually think he needs to play, if anything to see if Teddy is better because of it. Does it really open up the offense? We need to know what we can do next year and with who. So him playing with give us a more accurate reading of that. 

We've seen plenty from Teddy to know he's not the long-term answer. Hell, he isn't even a decent stop gap 

[jb2288]

Rhule is a smart guy. I don't think he's tanking per se, but I don't think he's prioritizing stealing a game late this season

[Ja Rhule]

Yes!!!  I’m playing against him in FF playoffs.

[Mr. Scot]

11 minutes ago, musicman said:

No, I actually think he needs to play, if anything to see if Teddy is better because of it. Does it really open up the offense? We need to know what we can do next year and with who. So him playing with give us a more accurate reading of that. 

Bridgewater probably would look better with McCaffrey.

With that said though, I've seen enough of Bridgewater to conclude that he'd be much better as a backup.

[mrcompletely11]

This is why its insanity to sign a rookie to a record long term deal after his 3rd season