McCaffrey seeking second opinion, won't play Sunday

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey's return to the field was a short-lived one. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Christian McCaffrey seeking second opinion on injured shoulder, won't play Sunday

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/11/20

The Carolina Panthers will have to figure out a way to succeed without their best player this weekend against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Running back Christian McCaffrey, who returned from an ankle injury against the Kansas City Chiefs, injured his shoulder last weekend. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter and David Newton, McCaffrey is seeking a second opinion on his injured shoulder and he's not expected to play this weekend.

And Panthers’ RB Christian McCaffrey is receiving a second opinion on his right shoulder injury, per @DNewtonespn. https://t.co/bfrLKXZFTw
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 11, 2020

McCaffrey impressed in his return to the field last week, rushing for 69 yards and one touchdown with 82 yards and another touchdown receiving.

With the 24-year-old set to be out of the lineup again, Mike Davis likely will get the start in the backfield and will have to step up against the Bucs. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater also will need to have a solid game in McCaffrey's absence.

McCaffrey didn't miss a single game during his first three NFL seasons, including last season when he became the third player in league history to have 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. He was rewarded with a four-year, $64 million extension, but so far, that high price tag hasn't paid off for the Panthers, who have only seen him play three games this season.

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