ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Panthers enter into life without Christian McCaffrey today, though they hope it's not an extended absence.
Their starting running back is among the inactives for today's game against the Cowboys, as he recovers from a hamstring strain suffered in Week 3 at Houston.
The Panthers didn't put him on injured reserve (which would have required a minimum three-week absence), so there's some degree of hope he could return before that window would expire. He made the trip with the team, and was on the sidelines during pregame warm-ups, chatting with owner David Tepper.
Rookie Chuba Hubbard will start in his place, and they have Royce Freeman and Rodney Smith in reserve (Smith was elevated from the practice squad Saturday).
The Panthers also listed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos as inactive, as he comes back from a Week 2 ankle sprain.
Also inactive were the following players: Wide receiver Shi Smith, guard Deonte Brown, guard Michael Jordan, defensive tackle Phil Hoskins, and linebacker Clay Johnston.
That means they have six cornerbacks active today, as newcomer CJ Henderson will be active for his first game.
Acquired in a trade with Jacksonville Monday, Henderson will likely play a limited role today, as they rely on existing options at corner.
PANTHERS INACTIVES
RB Christian McCaffrey
DE Yetur Gross-Matos
WR Shi Smith
G Deonte Brown
G Michael Jordan
DT Phil Hoskins
LB Clay Johnston
COWBOYS INACTIVES
S Donovan Wilson
QB Will Grier
S Israel Mukuamu
T Ty Nsekhe
WR Simi Fehoko
DE Carlos Watkins
DE Dorance Armstrong
View photos of the Panthers arriving at AT&T Stadium for Sunday's Week 4 game against the Cowboys.
