Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey hasn’t played since suffering a hamstring injury against the Texans in Week Three. But it’s sounding like he should be back on the field imminently.

“Hopefully we get Christian back soon. Hopefully, it’s this week. If not this week, then next week,” Carolina head coach Matt Rhule said in his Monday press conference. “Obviously, he’s one of the best players in football. He brings something.”

Related players: Chuba Hubbard

McCaffrey initially did not go on injured reserve after he went down against Houston. But the Panthers then placed him on IR on Oct. 16, which shut him down for an additional three weeks. If McCaffrey practices Wednesday, that would begin his 21-day practice window for returning from IR, the story said. It remains to be seen if he'll be able to play in Week 9, an early-afternoon home game against the Patriots.

Matt Rhule said we'll see a vastly different look from the Panthers moving forward.

Related players: Sam Darnold, Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Chuba Hubbard

It sounds like the team wants to get back to running the ball. The tweet said Rhule added they won't throw 40 times a game. Rhule also said: "We're going to redefine who we are and we're going to run the football and protect the quarterback." It will help to get McCaffrey back in the fold, but Hubbard proved worthy in the run game against the Eagles in Week 5, rushing for over 100 yards. Hubbard ran just 16 times in Week 6 while Darnold threw 41 times.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) will miss Week 6 against the Minnesota Vikings.

Related Player: Chuba Hubbard

CMC increased his practice reps earlier in the week prior to late-week DNPs. Week 7 is another opportunity for the Panthers to get McCaffrey back.

Panthers HC Matt Rhule told reporters Wednesday that RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) is '50-50' to play Week 6. Rhule said the same last week before declaring McCaffrey doubtful according to Joe Person of The Athletic.

Related Player: Chuba Hubbard

It has been notable that McCaffrey continues to practice in pads and has not had any setbacks considering the injury. Chuba Hubbard was excellent Week 5 and can carry the running back load if Rhule and the Panthers decide to give CMC another week.

Matt Rhule says he’s “hopeful” Christian McCaffrey will play this week.

Related players: Chuba Hubbard

The Panthers play at home in an early game in Week 6 against the Vikings, so owners should know well in advance when it comes to McCaffrey's status. Hubbard filled in nicely for CMC in Week 5 against the Eagles, running for over 100 yards. He added five catches for 33 yards as well.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) is doubtful for Week 5 against the Philadelphia Eagles according to Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer.

Related Player: Chuba Hubbard

Better safe than sorry with the focal point of your offense. CMC's return to practice this week is encouraging for Week 6.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey returned to practice Wednesday after suffering a hamstring injury just two weeks ago. CMC has missed one game with it after a timetable of multiple weeks missed was expected.

Related Player: Chuba Hubbard

CMC's return is great news but hamstring injuries are tricky and can linger much longer if re-aggravated. It may be smart for the Panthers to hold him out one more week. Monitor his practice reps ahead of Week 5's game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Christian McCaffrey’s set to take a step toward that return on Wednesday. Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said, via Joseph Person of TheAthletic.com, that McCaffrey plans to get on the field at Wednesday’s practice “and see where he is football-wise.”

Related players: Chuba Hubbard

Should that go well, the story said, McCaffrey would presumably try to ramp things up as the week goes on in an attempt to get ready to play against the Eagles in Week 5. Hubbard ran 13 times for 57 yards and quarterback Sam Darnold ran for two touchdowns in McCaffrey’s absence on Sunday as the team suffered its first loss of the season.

Matt Rhule says Panthers will not put Christian McCaffrey on IR.

Related players: Chuba Hubbard

The Panthers are hoping CMC returns before Week 7, as an IR spot would have taken him out for three games - Weeks 4-6. Other reports conclude CMC suffered a grade 1 strain, which is best-case for an earlier return. McCaffrey seems unlikely to play in Week 4 but his status should be monitored. Hubbard would get the start if McCaffrey can't go.