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The Carolina Panthers offense has been declawed ahead of their Week 17 regular season finale with the New Orleans Saints. Both of their top running backs were non-participants in Wednesday’s initial practice session, with Panthers coach Matt Rhule expressing doubt that either Christian McCaffrey or his backup Mike Davis would be available against New Orleans.
If they’re both ruled out, the Panthers likely turn to reserve running back Rodney Smith, who has logged 31 carries for 116 yards this year.
McCaffrey has been an MVP-caliber talent when healthy, but a series of ankle, shoulder, and thigh issues have kept him out of action for much of the 2020 season. Davis has been a breakout star for Carolina in his absence, gaining 1,015 yards from scrimmage (642 as a rusher, 373 as a receiver) and scoring a team-leading 8 combined touchdowns. But a recent ankle injury has slowed him down.
Additionally, injuries could keep top pass rusher Brian Burns (9 sacks on the year so far) and left tackle Russell Okung (just 3 sacks allowed this season, per Pro Football Focus) on ice as the regular season draws to a close. Teddy Bridgwater has his work cut out for him in a rematch with his old team, which defeated him 27-24 in a close one back on Oct. 25.
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