Monday, Dec. 7 2020. 18:31
Christian McCaffrey is eager to return to the field Sunday against the Denver Broncos after a frustrating season in which he suffered several injuries.
The Panthers running back has missed nine games this season with ankle and shoulder injuries, but he hopes to end the year on a high note and a good December.
His injuries came just one season after he became the third player in NFL history to collect 1,000 rushing and flying yards in the same campaign, in 2019.
“I feel great,” McCaffrey said of his condition.
McCaffrey, who grew up watching his dad Ed win Super Bowls, said he’s always loved football, but watching it on the sidelines made him want to play even more.
“That’s what makes me happy, but they say you don’t realize what you have until you lose it,” McCaffrey said. When something you love is taken away from you, it can become a challenge. It’s frustrating mentally, emotionally, and physically. It continued to rekindle my love for having lived this experience. “
McCaffrey suffered a sprained ankle in the second week of activities and missed the next six games. He returned to play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Nov. 8, but injured his shoulder in the game’s final offensive streak. He missed the last three games.
Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said McCaffrey was due to train on Monday, but the team was forced to shut down their facilities due to several positive COVID-19 tests.
The Panthers (4-8) are pretty much out of the playoff race already, but Rhule said he never thought about resting McCaffrey for the rest of the season.
Rhule believes that such a move would send the wrong message to the team.
“Society doesn’t always see it that way, but we get paid and we have the privilege of playing football,” he insisted. If I’m running differently this week because we’re not going to make the playoffs, what kind of coach am I? If someone is healthy and can play, I believe they will. “
In the three games he’s played this season, McCaffrey has totaled 374 yards and six touchdowns. The Panthers have been dynamic in the pay zone when he’s on the pitch, registering a touchdown on 88.9 percent of their attempts.
