Team news: Carolina Panthers | Page 17

The Vikings will have RB Dalvin Cook and WRs Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen Week 6 as none of the trio carries an injury designation.

All three being left off the injury report goes a long way with a road game against a good Carolina Panthers defense.

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.

Justin Fields is expected to be on the field this Sunday when the Bears play host to the Packers in Week 6 in a key NFC North showdown. The Bears' new starting quarterback underwent tests Monday on his hyperextended knee that was injured during Sunday's road win over the Raiders, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Related players: Andy Dalton

It's good news for Fields owners. Fields left the game for a play after a hit on his knee, giving way to Dalton, but Fields came right back in and stayed. He threw his first regular-season touchdown pass, a 2-yard throw to Jesper Horsted that gave Chicago a 7-3 second-quarter lead, the story said.

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.

The Chicago Bears have made QB Justin Fields the starter going forward according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Andy Dalton returned to practice today and will be the back-up.

Nothing Bears fans did not expect once he was drafted. Fields' passing ability and rushing upside make him a potential QB1 in the coming weeks.

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 Nagy reiterated, that when Andy Dalton is healthy he's the number 1 quarterback, Justin Fields, 2, and Nick Foles, 3.

Fields was much better in a win over the Lions in Week 4, so this is a bit surprising as one would assume the job now belongs to Fields. According to Grote, Nagy went on to say, "The next two days will tell us a lot in terms of where [Dalton is] at. We'll have an update for you on Wednesday."

Nick Sirianni continues to play Kenneth Gainwell, and he continues to produce. Gainwell posted 89 yards from scrimmage after finishing with three carries for 31 yards and a score while catching six passes for 58 yards.

Related players: Miles Sanders, Boston Scott

He finished with the most receiving yards for an Eagles rookie running back since Scott in Week 17 of the 2019 season (84 yards). And speaking of Scott, it's been obvious Gainwell has passed Scott on the depth chart. As the story said, the Eagles have done an excellent job incorporating Gainwell into their offense, pretty much becoming the team's third-down back.