Christian McCaffrey Exits TNF Matchup Against Texans With Hamstring Injury

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey left Thursday night's game against the Houston Texans with a hamstring injury.

After rolling out to his left on a short run, McCaffrey was spotted awkwardly hopping mid-run and went to the sideline after the play to walk it off. The running back extensively tested his hamstring in the Panthers' medical tent, but the injury forced him to remain sidelined for the rest of the game.

McCaffrey ended the game totaling 31 yards on seven carries, adding two receptions for nine yards. Fourth-round rookie running back Chuba Hubbard (11) and former Denver Bronco Royce Freeman (5) handled the bulk of carries in McCaffrey's absence. Hubbard led the team in rushing with 52 yards — a solid debut from the Oklahoma State product.

OutKick's ProFootballDoc tweeted out his reaction to the McCaffrey injury, expressing some optimism that sidelining him early may have mitigated the damage.

McCaffrey missed 13 games in 2020. He was placed on IR after Week 2 due to a high-ankle sprain, then he missed the rest of the season due to a shoulder injury in his first game back in Week 9.

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