Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey 'devastated' over season-ending ankle injury

Carolina Panthers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey missed 13 games during the 2020 season because of injury setbacks, was sidelined earlier this fall with a hamstring problem and learned that the ankle injury he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins will prematurely end his campaign ahead of December. 

McCaffrey reacted to the news via a statement shared by Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. 

"I love playing football and have dedicated my entire life to what I believe to be the greatest sport in the world," McCaffrey wrote. "Getting healthy and back on the field this season has been my focus every day from the time I wake up until I go to bed. I’ve put family, friends and all other interests on hold so I can fully concentrate my efforts on treatment, training, practicing, studying, preparing and playing the game I love at the highest level, which is why my season coming to an abrupt end today leaves me devastated. I am thankful to everyone who continues to help and support me through this difficult time and promise I will fight with everything I have to return bigger, stronger, faster and better than ever. #KeepPounding!" 

The 25-year-old is arguably the most dynamic offensive playmaker in the NFL when healthy, but an old adage teaches that "availability" is the most important ability for any athlete. McCaffrey becomes a spectator after recording 442 rushing yards and a touchdown on 99 carries with 37 catches for 343 yards and another score in just seven contests this season. 

According to Spotrac, McCaffrey is signed through 2025 via a four-year extension worth $64 million he earned in April 2020. However, the Panthers could part ways with him after the 2022 season and suffer only a dead-cap hit of roughly $12.828 million.