Panthers get 3 starters off COVID-19 list, Christian McCaffrey doubtful vs. Broncos
The Carolina Panthers got a bit of a boost in advance of their Sunday game against the Denver Broncos.
Starters wide receiver Curtis Samuel, linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive tackle Derrick Brown all came off the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday and head coach Matt Rhule said he expects all of them to be available for the game.
The three were part of a group of eight Panthers placed on the list Monday. Punter Michael Palardy also came off Friday, but is on season-ending injured reserve.
Left tackle Greg Little was also a member of that group, but he came off the list Wednesday.
Rookie defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos also came off the league’s COVID-19 list Thursday. He was placed on the list last Monday, the day after the Panthers’ loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Four Panthers remain on the COVID-19 list: wide receiver DJ Moore, defensive tackle Zach Kerr, practice squad wide receiver Ishmael Hyman and defensive tackle Bruce Horton.
Rhule said Thursday that it is his understanding players were placed on the list stemming from the team’s trip to Minnesota and from an outside gathering that took place during the bye week.
Christian McCaffrey update
Running back Christian McCaffrey is officially doubtful for Sunday’s game and is expected to miss it due to a thigh injury. It was anticipated that McCaffrey would make his return after missing three straight games with a shoulder injury, however, the running back tweaked a thigh injury Wednesday that he originally suffered during the bye week and missed Thursday and Friday’s practices.
“I’m sure for Christian, as a young kid growing up watching the Denver Broncos, watching his dad, I’m sure he wants to play in this game,” Rhule said. “But (it) just wasn’t meant to be. And he’s done everything he can possibly do.”
This would be the 10th game that McCaffrery has missed this year. Mike Davis will once again start in his place.
Injuries: Offensive lineman Dennis Daley is out with a concussion, while the Panthers have a long list of questionable players for their meeting with the Broncos — CB Rasul Douglas (personal), DE Marquis Haynes (illness), S Sam Franklin (ankle), DE Efe Obada (knee), Gross-Matos (non-injury related), S Tre Boston (hamstring) and TE Ian Thomas (knee). Many are likely to play Sunday.
This story was originally published December 11, 2020 at 1:01 PM.
