After popping up on yesterday’s injury report with a nick to his shin, Carolina Panthers running back McCaffrey was not listed with a game status on Friday’s release. That, of course, means the star rusher is a go for Sunday’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns.
McCaffrey’s injury was never of any concern to the team, as it was—again—just a cut as a result of contact with a cleat. But given the sixth-year veteran’s recent history, the alarms went off on Thursday with his mere mention.
In another bit of encouraging news, kicker Eddy Piñeiro was a full participant. Carolina, nonetheless, signed Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad as insurance.
Additionally, rookie linebacker Brandon Smith was added with a thigh issue and head coach Matt Rhule told reporters that Pat Elflein will start at center as Bradley Bozeman continues to heal from his ankle injury.
Here’s the full report heading into Sunday:
| Injury | Wed. | Thurs. | Fri. | Game status | |
| K Eddy Piñeiro | Hip | Full | Full | Full | – |
| FB Giovanni Ricci | Hip | Limited | Limited | Full | – |
| RB Christian McCaffrey | Shin | – | Full | Full | – |
| LB Brandon Smith | Thigh | – | – | Limited | Questionable |
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