CHARLOTTE – Running back Christian McCaffrey was not at practice Thursday after a thigh injury became an issue for him during Wednesday's practice.
McCaffrey has missed all but three games this year because of ankle and shoulder problems but was set to return this week against the Broncos before the thigh issue cropped up.
"He's rehabbing, and it remains to be seen where exactly he is with regards to that thing," head coach Matt Rhule said. "I'm going to monitor it. At this time, I do not expect him to play, but I'll continue to monitor it.
"No one knows their body better than Christian, so I'll wait to see how the rehab goes."
That's a blow for an offense that has practiced this week without wide receivers DJ Moore and Curtis Samuel, who remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list, along with linebacker Shaq Thompson and defensive tackles Derrick Brown and Zach Kerr.
Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, who went on the reserve/COVID-19 list last week, was activated Thursday and returned to practice on a limited basis, helping bolster a short-handed line.
Defensive end Marquis Haynes was also out Thursday (illness), along with cornerback Rasul Douglas (non-injury related) and linebacker Chris Orr (illness). Offensive lineman Dennis Daley was at practice in a red no-contact jersey but didn't participate after missing the last game before the bye with a concussion.
You can read Thursday's entire injury report here.
See photos from the practice field on Thursday afternoon.
