Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey out vs. Vikings

While the 2-3 Minnesota Vikings could have both Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook and backup Alexander Mattison in the lineup for Sunday's matchup against the 3-2 Carolina Panthers, Carolina will be without its first-choice ball-carrier once again. 

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter and other outlets, Carolina star running back Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for Sunday's showdown because of the hamstring injury he first suffered in the Sept. 23 win over the Houston Texans. The update is hardly surprising, as McCaffrey was missing during the open portion of Thursday's practice session, and the Panthers confirmed later in the day he was held out.

Rookie Chuba Hubbard has cemented himself as a solid RB1 in McCaffrey's place over the past couple of games and, according to ESPN stats, leads the team with 220 rushing yards on 56 carries. Hubbard has also logged 12 catches for 78 yards. 

The first-year pro had his best outing, to date, in last Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles when he recorded 101 yards on 24 rushes with five receptions for 33 yards. 

As for McCaffrey, he'll look to get right for the Week 7 contest at the lowly New York Giants.