Some key Panthers on injury report but still expected to play Sunday vs. Saints
Unless the unforeseen occurs before Sunday, the Panthers expect running back Christian McCaffrey to play Sunday against the Saints.
McCaffrey, who has played 99 of the Panthers’ 111 offensive snaps this season, landed on the injury report Thursday after dealing with ankle stiffness.
The team said McCaffrey had lingering stiffness in his ankle last week’s Giants game. His reps were limited on Thursday as a precaution, and he took his weekly veteran’s rest day Wednesday. He showed no signs of discomfort as he moved around normally Thursday.
On Friday, McCaffrey was a full participant in practice. He is expected to play Sunday and no longer carries an injury status for the game. He told reporters Thursday that he was “ready to roll.”
Cornerback Donte Jackson has been battling a hamstring injury all week. He suffered the injury late in Week 2 while chasing Giants receiver Sterling Shepard down the left sideline on a vertical route. After the play, Jackson slowed up, reached for his hamstring and dropped to a knee for a moment.
On Monday, Jackson said he considered himself “day-to-day.” He said he was fortunate the injury was not more severe as he heard a “pop.” Coach Matt Rhule said he is confident Jackson will play.
But the Panthers could be without cornerback Stanley Thomas-Oliver III on Sunday. Rhule said Oliver might be a game-time decision. Oliver practiced fully Friday, which is a good sign.
Carolina added defensive end Brian Burns (ankle) and defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis (groin) to Friday’s injury report. Linebacker Frankie Luvu (shoulder) was also a full participant at Friday’s practice.
All three are expected to play Sunday.
