Panthers Week 9 inactives: RB Christian McCaffrey to play vs. Patriots

Christian McCaffrey has missed 18 of the Carolina Panthers’ last 24 games. Luckily, that tally won’t be shifting upwards to 19 of 25 today.

The star running back was not listed as one of the team’s inactive players ahead of their Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. So, yes, Sunday will officially mark the return of the Mac.

McCaffrey, who will likely be on a limited count of touches, went down back in the Week 3 primetime showdown with the Houston Texans due to a hamstring strain. The injury sidelined the rusher for Carolina’s previous five outings, in which they’ve gone 1-4.

Also, as first noted by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, quarterback Sam Darnold is also a go. Darnold had been dealing with a concussion and a right shoulder issue leading into the afternoon.

Here are the Panthers’ inactives for today’s game:

WR Shi Smith
CB C.J. Henderson
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver III
RB Royce Freeman
LB Kamal Martin
G Pat Elflein
DT Phil Hoskins

And here are the inactives from the opposing sideline:

TE Devin Asiasi
DE Ronnie Perkins
G Yasir Durant
RB J.J. Taylor
WR K’Neal Harry
CB Shaun Wade

Related

Jeremy Chinn Week 9 jersey watch: NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.

List

Biggest storylines for Panthers vs. Patriots in Week 9