CHARLOTTE — Running back Christian McCaffrey will most likely miss Sunday's rematch with the Buccaneers with a shoulder injury.
McCaffrey, who played in every game his first three seasons, had just returned last week after a high ankle sprain cost him six games.
"Looks like Christian probably won't play," head coach Matt Rhule said Wednesday. "I wouldn't say it's 100 percent, but it looks like he's pretty much out for this week and we'll see how it is next week."
Rhule added that the injury is to McCaffrey's AC joint, and it's not expected to be season-ending.
"I'm anticipating it, from what I know, being more day-to-day and week-by-week than that," Rhule said. "But those are doctors and they have to do what's right for him and Christian has to make the best decision for him."
Against the Chiefs last week, McCaffrey played 59 of 83 offensive snaps, scoring a pair of touchdowns and totaling 151 yards from scrimmage. He suffered his latest setback with 1:10 to go when he was taken to the turf by linebacker Dan Sorensen after a 1-yard reception. McCaffrey exited for a few plays but returned to catch a pass for no gain in the final seconds.
With McCaffrey likely out Sunday, Mike Davis would again take over the lead running back role. So far this season, Davis has 631 yards from scrimmage with four total touchdowns. Reggie Bonnafon was also signed to the active roster on Wednesday to add depth at the position.
