Panthers hope to have McCaffrey back for TNF

The Carolina Panthers are holding out hope that star running back Christian McCaffrey can make his return from injury in time for Thursday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.

"It's a possibility," head coach Matt Rhule said Monday. "That's sort of out of my hands. I'm hopeful that we'll have him."

McCaffrey is also pushing to play Thursday, but he's still considered a longshot to suit up, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

McCaffrey, who's been on injured reserve since suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2, will reportedly return to practice this week and see if he can progress enough to play in the NFC South showdown.

He was apparently given a return timetable of four-to-six weeks.

Rhule said McCaffrey would return only when doctors and trainers clear him. But he hasn't considered holding the star back to give him another 10 days of rest.

"If you know Christian, he wants to play," Rhule said. "As soon as he is ready to go, he will go."

Veteran backup Mike Davis has performed solidly in McCaffrey's absence, but the New Orleans Saints held the rusher to just 12 yards on seven carries in Sunday's 27-24 loss.

The Panthers have stayed in the hunt for a playoff spot despite losing their star offensive weapon, winning three of their last five games.

The All-Pro racked up 156 rushing yards and four total touchdowns before his injury.

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