According to Joe Person on Twitter, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said that he does not expect running back Christian McCaffrey to play in Week 14 'at this time'.

McCaffrey is in legitimate danger of missing Week 14, and will likely need to impress team doctors with his recovery by tomorrow in order to be cleared to play the Broncos. It is a tough blow for fantasy managers who were holding out hope to have their stud running back in their lineup for the fantasy playoffs. There is still a chance he makes a surprise turn and gets cleared, but fantasy managers should be planning to be without him for Week 14, making Mike Davis once again boast RB1 upside. Thanks to projected volume and a plus matchup against the Broncos, Mike Davis is our 10th ranked running back for Week 14.

According to Bill Voth on Twitter, Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey was not spotted at the opening portion of practice.

This is troubling news for fantasy managers who were counting on their first overall pick to help them in the fantasy playoffs. McCaffrey tweaked his quad yesterday and is now questionable for Week 14. He will likely need to practice in some fashion tomorrow for the Panthers to feel comfortable clearing him for Sunday. There is still some hope that he will be able to take the practice field tomorrow, but fantasy managers should have their contingency options at the ready. McCaffrey is currently our second ranked running back for Week 14.

Panthers starting running back Christian McCaffrey tweaked his thigh in a workout last week and was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

McCaffrey is already trying to come back from a significant shoulder injury for Week 14. The thigh/quad injury added today was not previously disclosed even though it apparently happened last week. The fact that McCaffrey is practicing at all on a Wednesday is a positive sign for his availability in Week 14, but managers should monitor his practice status as the week progresses.

Running back Christian McCaffrey appears set to return from his second significant injury of the season.

But on Monday, McCaffrey said he feels “really great” when asked if he would play against the Broncos on Sunday.

McCaffrey missed six games with a high-ankle sprain. When he returned against the Chiefs in early November, he suffered a shoulder injury that’s kept him out for another three games. McCaffrey has six TDs in three games, which leads the team. It's great news for fantasy owners, just in time for the playoffs. The Panthers could also be shorthanded as both Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore are on the COVID list.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) is expected to play on Sunday.

Related players: Mike Davis

McCaffrey has missed three games with a shoulder injury. The tweet added, "There’s nothing to make me think he’s not,’’ coach Matt Rhule said about McCaffrey's status. With D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel now on the COVID list, McCaffrey could jump right in to a monster workload for Week 14, perhaps especially in the passing game.

The Panthers have placed eight players on the reserve/COVID-19 list. New additions:

WR: D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel
DT: Derrick Brown, Zach Kerr
LB: Shaq Thompson
LT: Greg Little
P: Michael Palardy (on IR)
Practice squad WR Ishmael Hyman

Related players: Robby Anderson, Brandon Zylstra, Keith Kirkwood, Pharoh Cooper, Christian McCaffrey

Keep in mind, we don't yet know who tested positive and who may have just been in close contact. Obviously Moore and Samuel are the big fantasy players here so owners will have to monitor throughout the week. When we reported on Moore a few hours ago, it was noted he was dealing with an ankle injury so his status was in doubt anyway for Week 14. Anderson could end up as the WR1 if Moore and Samuel are out. The team hopes McCaffrey can play this week as well.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) is not traveling with the team to Minnesota for Week 12 against the Vikings.

It was unlikely he was going to play anyway. It always seemed like the team’s plan was to save their star until after the team’s bye week in Week 13. He should be back for the team’s final four games against the Broncos, Packers, Washington Football Team and Saints.