My guess is that Elijah Mitchell and Christian McCaffrey will be the main runners with Mitchell getting early-down carries and McCaffrey having more of a change-of-pace and third-down role.

Related players: Deebo Samuel

McCaffrey was getting 85 percent of the snaps for Carolina. The author said he can’t imagine the 49ers want his snap counts that high, and the hope seems to be that he and the oft-injured Mitchell will save each other wear and tear. In another question from the mailbag, the author said they could turn to a thunder-and-lightning-and-thunder combination of Samuel, McCaffrey and Mitchell.

Stunner: Panthers are trading Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for draft picks, sources tell ESPN.

McCaffrey returns to the Bay Area, where he attended Stanford.

Related players: D'Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard, Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson

This should enhance McCaffrey's value since the 49ers run a more competent offense than the Panthers. Elijah Mitchell is no longer expected to be a fantasy starter upon his return from injury, and can be dropped if necessary. He's an attrition RB2 now. Jimmy Garoppolo should benefit by having such a good receiving back to throw to, but targets are already at a premium, so Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle each take a slight hit. In Carolina, we'll likely see a committee consisting of D'Onta Foreman on early downs and Chuba Hubbard as a third-down/change-of-pace back. On the season, Foreman has played 31 snaps while Hubbard has played 30. Foreman has 12 touches (all carries), while Hubbard has six carries and one reception.

Multiple NFL teams remain interested and are actively exploring trade scenarios for Panthers star Christian McCaffrey. It is unclear if he'll be dealt ahead of NFL trade deadline, which is coming up on November 1st.

It's hard to pontificate on who CMC would be affecting until we know what team may end up with his services. Still, obviously, he would obliterate the value of running backs and any other underneath options on that new squad. As for Carolina, Chuba Hubbard and D'Onta Foreman have been going back and forth in terms of usage behind McCaffrey, and both of them would get a mild bump while being left behind on an awful offense.

Christian McCaffrey was a game-time decision for the Panthers but he is active against the Cardinals.

Carolina Panthers inactives

RB Raheem Blackshear
CB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
OL Cade Mays
DT Phil Hoskins
WR Terrace Marshall Jr.
DE Amaré Barno

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey did not practice Thursday for a second day straight due to a quad injury.

Related Players: Chuba Hubbard, D'Onta Foreman

One week ago, McCaffrey was listed on the injury report as a limited participant due to stiffness in his ankle, which appeared to be more of a precautionary measure. Hubbard and Foreman would split the workload against the Cardinals 11th-ranked rush defense. CMC has basically be the lone bright spot on a Panthers offense that has been difficult to watch at times

Matt Rhule said it's a quad injury for Christian McCaffrey. Didn't know about it until after Saints' game. Wouldn't speculate on his status for this week.

Related players: Chuba Hubbard, D'Onta Foreman

McCaffrey did finish the game in Week 3 but given McCaffrey's recent past and injuries, owners may want to take note. For what it's worth, Person did tweet Hubbard said he thinks McCaffrey will be good to go and added Hubbard prepares to play every game. If he can't go, look for Hubbard and Foreman to see some kind of split in the workload.

Though Christian McCaffrey was limited on Thursday with an ankle injury, he looks fine to handle his typical workload against the Saints on Sunday.

Related Players: D'Onta Foreman

CMC was jostling with reporters about how interested us fans are in his injury status, but, come on, he's a top-three RB when he's on the field and he knows we'll blow all our FAAB on a backup if he misses any time. McCaffrey is a plug-and-play option regardless of the defense he is facing and we should be keeping an eye on D'Onta Foreman if he is available on waiver wires.

The Panthers also changed Christian McCaffrey’s preseason practice routine, never having him suit up three days in a row once they put on the pads. The Panthers have studied the usage of Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Marshall Faulk, two heavy-usage backs. They’ve at least considered the idea of using McCaffrey more in the slot.

Related players: D'Onta Foreman

The story didn't specify anything more about McCaffrey in the slot, other than it could help keep him healthy. Sunday’s game against the Browns will be McCaffrey’s first since that Miami game during Thanksgiving weekend last year. Like last preseason, McCaffrey did not play in any of the three exhibitions as the Panthers tried to have him at 100 percent for the start of the regular season, the story said. The team signed Foreman to take some of the workload, but the story said McCaffrey is still expected to have a huge role in the offense.

Panthers officially announced Baker Mayfield as their opening-day starting quarterback vs. the Cleveland Browns.

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

Mayfield gets a fresh start in Carolina. We expect him to post serviceable numbers for the Panthers. He was the QB18 in 2020 prior to a QB23 finish last season, though he dealt with some injuries. The weapons in Carolina are pretty solid. Moore is a solid WR1 and McCaffrey is arguably the best receiving back in the league.

“I think any time you have to adapt out of your comfort zone, it takes a leap of faith. But when you get the results that you want, it makes you trust the process a little more,” Christian McCaffrey said. “I feel great. I feel the best I’ve ever felt. I’m ready to go.”

McCaffrey has played just 10 games the past two seasons while dealing with five separate injuries to his ankles, shoulder, quadriceps and hamstring, the story said. The team kept McCaffrey out of all the preseason games a year ago, and will likely do the same this year, while possibly adjusting their in-season plan for McCaffrey as well, according to the story.