The Facts: The Panthers placed McCaffrey on injured reserve Saturday afternoon, giving their star running back three more weeks to get healthy from his recent hamstring injury.
Diehards Line:
The decision was made after the team's medical staff met Saturday to discuss the best course of action to get him fully healthy. While placing him on IR means a minimum three-week absence, making the move Saturday means this week counts toward that total. He'll be eligible to return as soon as Week 9 against the Patriots. McCaffrey suffered the initial injury on Sept. 23 in Houston. He practiced on a limited basis last week and Wednesday, but was held out Thursday and Friday, and was already ruled out for Sunday's game against the Vikings. Chuba Hubbard will continue to serve as the primary back in McCaffrey's absence.