NFL: Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey suffers hamstring injury

Carolina Panthers’ Christian McCaffrey, the running back numero uno in NFL, left Thursday night’s tie against the Houston Texans with a hamstring injury and isn’t expected to rejoin the game.

In a statement, the Panthers said, “McCaffrey apparently tweaked the hamstring on a 2-yard run early in the second quarter with the Panthers leading, 7-0. He finished the night with 40 yards on nine touches.”

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“McCaffrey, who was limited to three games last season, led the league with 324 scrimmage yards through the first two weeks of this season.”

McCaffrey had a 2-yard run early in the second quarter and went to the medical tent on the sideline soon after that. He spent a considerable amount of time in the tent, but then walked to the locked room with trainers. He was able to walk without any assistance. 

The team announced he was out for the rest of the game later in the second quarter, according to Associated Press inputs.

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Before getting injured, McCaffrey had seven carries for 31 yards and two receptions for nine yards. McCaffrey has been great in the first two games for the Panthers. He entered the game with 45 carries for 170 yards and 14 receptions for 154 yards.

Chuba Hubbard as the took over as the immediate lead back and will continue to be the focal point in the run game going forward. The Panthers also have veteran Royce Freeman to help out. 

Panthers will hope the injury isn’t anything serious as McCaffrey is the engine of their offence. He holds the record for the most receptions recorded by a running back in a season. 

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Currently, the game is in the third quarter and the Panthers lead 14-6.

McCaffrey is coming off the back of an injury-hit season, playing just three matches. But he still recorded five touchdowns and a combined 374 rushing and receiving yards.

With inputs from the Associated Press