The Carolina Panthers defeated the Houston Texans 24-9 on Thursday. However, the biggest story came in the second quarter. That is when the Panthers lost running back Christian McCaffrey of Castle Rock, Colorado, who suffered a hamstring injury which will force him to miss “a few weeks” according to Adam Maya of nfl.com.
McCaffrey could be considered one of the best National Football League running backs in the entire league, when healthy. Last season (in 2020), he missed 13 games with separate injuries to his shoulder and ankle, after having a sensational 2019 season where he led the NFL with 2392 yards from scrimmage and the number of rushing plus receiving touchdowns (19).
Then in 2021, McCaffrey got off to a strong start to the season. He once again led the NFL with 364 yards from scrimmage art the time of his ailment. However, it should be noted he was unable to reach 100 yards rushing in Panthers’ wins over the New York Jets or New Orleans Saints.
With the loss of McCaffrey, Carolina is expected to go to Canadian Chuba Hubbard of Sherwood Park, Alberta. Hubbard had a marvelous collegiate career at Oklahoma State, where he was the 2019 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and was eighth in the Heisman voting two years ago.
On Thursday, Hubbard had 11 carries for 52 yards, and three catches for 27 yards. The fact that the Panthers are 3-0 is a surprise. Their most notable win of the season to date came on September 19, when they upset the New Orleans Saints 26-7. It is on defense where the Panthers are making its biggest strides. They have only given up 30 points over the first three games.
For FREE!
