McCaffrey back to training, Darnold in concussion protocol

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Sam Darnold showed up for training on Wednesday …

CHARLOTTE, NC (AP) – Carolina Panthers runner Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Sam Darnold showed up for practice on Wednesday in full swing. However, their status for Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots remained very much up in the air.

McCaffrey, who has missed the last five games with a hamstring injury, has been named to return from injury reserve and the team has 21 days to decide whether to activate him on the 53-man roster.

Darnold remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol, though his participation in training is a positive sign.

McCaffrey went through individual exercises and was seen jumping across the field and appeared to be in good spirits during the 20 minutes of training open to the media. Darnold had left the field before the media arrived.

The Panthers (4-4) are looking to build on last week’s 19-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons, who got a four-game losing steak.

If Darnold could not play, PJ Walker would get the start as quarterback, and either James Morgan or Josh Love would be his backup. Both are currently on the training squad. Walker has started a game in the NFL, leading the Panthers to a win over the Detroit Lions last season.

Chuba Hubbard has handled the majority of reps by running back for the Panthers with McCaffrey on the sidelines. Hubbard has run 391 yards and two touchdowns this season, while averaging 3.6 yards per game. carry.

McCaffrey, an All-Pro in 2019, got off to a strong start before going down in the first half of Carolina’s Week 3 against the Houston Texans. He had 364 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown through the first 10 quarters of the season. He has not played since.

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