Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey missed Thursday's practice with a hamstring injury.

There is still no definitive word on if the missed practice was due to a simple maintenance day or if CMC suffered a setback. We should get more clarity on this situation tomorrow afternoon when the Panthers take the field for practice. There was optimism that he would make his return this week, but the missed practice has set off the alarm bells. After Wednesday's session, CMC was tabbed as 50-50 by head coach Matt Rhule (he does not talk to the media on Thursdays). Chuba Hubbard has looked like a steal since taking over the lead back duties and is currently our 14th ranked running back for Week 6.

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.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Thursday.

CMC has been dealing with a hamstring injury but was able to practice in a limited fashion on Thursday. The team is hopeful that their star running back can suit up for Week 5 but made it clear that they will not risk his health by rushing him back. Chuba Hubbard will once again lead the Panthers backfield in touches if McCaffrey is ruled out. This is a situation for fantasy managers to monitor, but the return to practice leaves room for optimism. Hubbard is currently our 23rd ranked running back for Week 5.

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.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) will miss Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys.

This was expected but with CMC avoiding IR (for now), an official designation was necessary. Chuba Hubbard will start for Carolina.

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.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) is expected to miss a few weeks according to Joe Person of The Athletic and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

This is as good of news as expected considering how quick CMC was ruled out of Carolina's Week 3 win at Houston. Carolina is 3-0 with a tougher schedule ahead, but rushing CMC back after a lengthy injury-plagued 2020 would not be ideal. Chuba Hubbard and Royce Freeman will carry the workload until McCaffrey is back.