Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) is active for Week 9 against the Patriots. 

07 November 2021

McCaffrey is active for the first time since Week 3. He returns with Sam Darnold gutting through a shoulder injury under center. Considering Darnold's recent play, the Pats are a nightmare spot for CMC to return, but we wouldn't be surprised if he was fired up for close to his typical workload even though ESPN's David Newton reports he will be on a "pitch count." That is an approach the Panthers have literally never employed with their bell-cow back. He's an RB1 for Week 9. Inactive for the Panthers are WR Shi Smith, CB CJ Henderson, CB Stantely Thomas-Oliver, RB Royce Freeman, LB Kamal Martin, OG Pat Elflein and DT Phil Hoskins.