McCaffrey (hamstring) remains on target to return from injured reserve ahead of the Panthers' Week 9 game against the Patriots on Nov. 7, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.
Considering McCaffrey hasn't practiced in even a limited fashion since Oct. 13, the Panthers will likely want to see how the running back looks throughout Week 9 prep before signing off on him playing against New England. Assuming he endures no further setbacks with his strained hamstring and is designated to return from IR on Wednesday or Thursday, McCaffrey should put himself in good position to reclaim lead duties Week 9. While McCaffrey has been sidelined each of the past four games, Chuba Hubbard has stepped in as the team's lead back and has averaged 61.7 rushing yards and 19.8 receiving yards per contest while finding the end zone only once. Hubbard will be in store for another start Sunday against the Falcons.