Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey missed Week 4 due to a hamstring injury, forcing fantasy football managers to find a replacement in lineups. With McCaffrey returning to practice this week, how should fantasy managers prepare for Week 5?
Update: Christian McCaffrey is listed as doubtful following the Panthers’ Week 5 practice
Christian McCaffrey is no lock to play this week
Despite McCaffrey’s return to action after missing just one week, he’s not certain to return to the Panthers’ starting lineup. It was always likely that McCaffrey would be limited in practice all three days and listed as, at best, questionable. It wouldn’t surprise me at all to hear Matt Rhule call him a game-time decision.
Chuba Hubbard would be a strong RB2 if Christian McCaffrey missed another week
Rookie running back Chuba Hubbard filled in admirably for McCaffrey last week. Although he played just 47% of the snaps, Hubbard was clearly the primary back, touching the ball 15 times. He’s a safe bet for 8-10 fantasy points that would turn into 14-16 if he managed to find the end zone.
Royce Freeman carried the ball just 3 times and is a non-factor. The only concern I’d have regarding Hubbard’s usage was Rodney Smith’s surprising role while the Panthers played catch-up. It was Smith who appeared to be the primary passing-down back, catching all 5 of his targets for 48 yards. It’s not enough for me to fade Hubbard sans CMC, but it’s something to at least keep in mind.
If McCaffrey gives it a go, should fantasy managers follow suit?
The short answer is yes. If McCaffrey is out there for the Panthers, he is out there for your fantasy team. We know hamstring injuries present a high risk of re-injury, but fantasy managers will have to accept that risk in Week 5 lineups.
The Panthers may be cautious with McCaffrey’s hamstring
In addition to posing a high re-injury rate, hamstring injuries also tend to linger if not allowed to fully heal. Given what happened with McCaffrey in 2020, it seems unlikely that the Panthers would bring him back at less than 100%. The team is 3-1, and although they rely heavily on McCaffrey, they can sacrifice one more game if it means their franchise player returns to full health.
Nevertheless, if McCaffrey can get in a full practice on Friday, I’ll be confident he’s starting on Sunday. However, if he is limited all three days, as I suspect he will be, the Panthers may err on the side of caution and hold him out one more week. Rhule’s comments on Thursday that he’s “hopeful” McCaffrey plays, but they “won’t put him in danger” lead me to believe it will be a Week 6 return for CMC.
Fortunately for fantasy managers, the Panthers play at 1 PM, so we will know early and be able to adjust accordingly. If I rostered CMC, I would prefer he sit out this week and play it safe. Unfortunately, NFL players rarely have that mindset, so rest assured McCaffrey will push to play.
Start Hubbard if McCaffrey’s hamstring injury keeps him out another game
If the Panthers do exercise caution and hold McCaffrey out until Week 6, you can confidently start Hubbard. However, if both are active, you have no choice but to roll with McCaffrey.