Report: Christian McCaffrey Has 'Chance' to Play in Week 11 with Shoulder Injury

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey reportedly has a "realistic chance" to play in Week 11 but will miss Sunday's game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a shoulder injury.  

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network provided the update on McCaffrey's shoulder after he sought a second opinion. 

For the first time in his career, the former eighth overall pick has struggled with injuries. After playing all 16 games in his first three seasons following his selection by the Panthers out of Stanford, the 24-year-old has appeared in just three games this season. He endured a high ankle sprain in Week 2 and was moved to injured reserve, but on his return, he was injured during Week 9's loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

An All-Pro last season, McCaffrey added 225 yards and five scores rushing while adding 17 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown in his three outings in 2020, months after he was signed to a four-year, $64 million contract extension that boasted the highest salary for a running back in NFL history.

Though they've been without their primary ball-handler for much of the season, the 3-6 Panthers have still managed to hold their own offensively, ranking eighth in offensive efficiency and total yards (3,323), but they've fallen short on the other side of the ball, allowing 3,256 total yards (ninth-worst in the league). 

Mike Davis has seen the bulk of the action with McCaffrey sidelined this season, posting 353 yards and two touchdowns on 85 carries while also adding 278 receiving yards on 43 catches.