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Report: Panthers' Christian McCaffrey not expected to play vs. Buccaneers in Week 10

The Carolina Panthers will likely be without running back Christian McCaffrey again. The star running back is reportedly not expected to play in the Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers because of a right shoulder injury, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

He will have a second opinion on the shoulder injury, per ESPN’s David Newton, after tests on Monday.

McCaffrey, 24, returned to the field Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs after missing time with a high ankle sprain. It was only his third game of the season after spending six weeks on injured reserve.

He had 18 carries for 69 yards and one touchdown, and 10 catches for 82 yards and another score in a last-second loss to the Chiefs in Week 9. The Panthers (3-6) are tied with the Atlanta Falcons at the bottom of the NFC South standings, behind the New Orleans Saints (6-2) and Bucs (6-3).

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule ruled McCaffrey “day-to-day” on Monday, though there were initial reports he could miss time with the injury. McCaffrey signed a record-breaking contract extension in the offseason that made him the highest-paid running back in NFL history at $16 million per year. His absence on the field is missed not only by the Panthers, but by the NFL and its fanbase as a whole.

Christian McCaffrey holds the football.
Christian McCaffrey is reportedly "week-to-week" with a shoulder injury. (Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

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