McCaffrey isn't expected to play in Friday's preseason game against the Steelers, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.
Coach Matt Rhule hinted Monday that McCaffrey would be "very, very limited" in the exhibition finale, if the running back got on the field at all, per Gantt. But it appears the Panthers will save McCaffrey for Week 1 against the Jets, when he'll receive his usual immense volume. Over the previous three seasons as the team's workhorse back, he averaged 23 touches for 135.2 yards from scrimmage per game while scoring 38 TDs in 35 contests.