The Carolina Panthers hope to have their starting backfield healthy and ready to go in Week 9.
Carolina coach Matt Rhule told reporters Friday that he is "hopeful" that running back Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) will play Sunday against the New England Patriots. McCaffrey has missed the last six weeks.
Rhule said he was also optimistic that quarterback Sam Darnold could play. Darnold is still in concussion protocol and also dealing with a shoulder injury, which Rhule characterized as as much of a concern as his concussion. Rhule mentioned that Darnold could be active and serve as a backup to P.J. Walker.
Darnold has been limited in practice all week and is listed as questionable to play, while McCaffrey is expected to be activated from injured reserve Saturday. The running back was designated to return from IR earlier this week.
Also questionable to play against the Patriots are cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver (toe) and guard Pat Elflein (hamstring).
Injuries/COVID-19
- Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (ankle) and receiver DeAndre Hopkins (hamstring) will be game-time decisions for Sunday versus the 49ers, coach Kliff Kingsbury said Friday. Both players are officially questionable. The team announced assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, running backs coach James Saxon and assistant offensive line coach Brian Natkin will not be available because of COVID-19 protocol.
- Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (calf) was again a full participant in practice and does not have an injury designation. Wide receivers Amari Cooper (hamstring) and CeeDee Lamb (ankle) are questionable. Offensive tackle Tyron Smith (ankle) and tight end Blake Jarwin (hip) are out.
- San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said tight end will be activated from IR ahead of Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Safety (quadricep) has been ruled out. Defensive lineman Dee Ford (back), running back (rib) and wide receiver (calf) are questionable. The team later announced that defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw recently underwent successful right knee surgery and has a greact chance to make a full recovery in time for the 2022 season. Shanahan said on Oct. 27 that Kinlaw, who last played in Week 5, would likely need season-ending surgery.
- Miami Dolphins quarterback (ribs/finger) is questionable for Sunday against the Texans. The Dolphins placed wide receiver (hamstring) on IR. They also claimed defensive end off waivers from the Bengals, Rapoport reported via Hodge's agent.
- Jacksonville Jaguars running back James Robinson (heel) is questionable to play against Buffalo. He returned to practice Friday in a limited fashion.
- New York Jets safety Marcus Maye suffered a torn Achilles against the Colts and will miss the remainder of the season, coach Robert Saleh told reporters.
- Los Angeles Rams pass rusher Von Miller (ankle) will be a game-time decision to play Sunday night versus the Titans, coach Sean McVay said Friday. Miller is officially questionable, as is cornerback Jalen Ramsey (knee) and wide receiver Robert Woods (foot).
- Kansas City Chiefs tackle Mike Remmers (knee) won't play against the Packers. Running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (MCL sprain) is "closer" to a return, coach Andy Reid said, but remains on injured reserve for now.
- New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been ruled out for Sunday against the Raiders. He cleared COVID-19 protocol but will miss a fourth consecutive game because of a lingering ankle injury. Wide receiver Sterling Shepard (quad) has also bene ruled out. Wide receivers Kenny Golladay (knee) and John Ross (quad) are questionable. Rookie wideout Kadarius Toney (thumb) does not have an injury designation.
- Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (ribs) is questionable for Sunday versus the Jaguars. Tight end Dawson Knox (hand) has been ruled out.
- Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown (knee) and offensive tackle Taylor Lewan (knee) are questionable for Sunday night versus the Rams. Running back Adrian Peterson was activated to the 53-man roster.
- New England Patriots linebackers Dont'a Hightower (ankle) and Kyle Van Noy (groin), tight end Jonnu Smith (shoulder), wide receiver N'Keal Harry (knee) and kicker Nick Folk (knee) are questionable for Sunday versus the Panthers.
- The Atlanta Falcons placed wide receiver Calvin Ridley on the non-football injury list, sidelining him for a minimum of three weeks, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Ridley announced last week he was stepping away from football to focus on mental health.
- Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (knee) is questionable for Sunday versus the Ravens. Defensive tackle Michael Pierce (elbow) is out.
- The Baltimore Ravens wide receivers Rashod Bateman (groin) and Sammy Watkins (thigh) are questionable for Sunday versus the Vikings.
- Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garett Bolles (ankle) has been ruled out against the Cowboys.
- Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. (concussion) and running back Justin Jackson (quad) have been ruled out against the Eagles.
- New Orleans Saints safety Malcolm Jenkins (knee) is questionable for Sunday versus the Falcons.
- Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jack Conklin has been ruled out for Sunday versus the Bengals. Defensive ends Jadeveon Clowney (ankle, knee) and Takkarist McKinley (groin), wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones (groin) and cornerback Denzel Ward (hamstring) are questionable.
- Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (ankle) has been ruled out against the Chargers.
- The Green Bay Packers activated wide receiver Davante Adams from the reserve/COVID-19 list.
- The Detroit Lions waived wide receiver Tyrell Williams from IR with an injury settlement.
- Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (pectoral/hip/right shoulder) and tight end Eric Ebron (hamstring) were limited in practice Friday.
- Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (hamstring), linebacker Khalil Mack (foot) and running back Damien Williams (knee) did not practice Friday.
