Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey faces injury setback ahead of Vikings game

The Minnesota defense might be trying to stop one of the most dangerous offensive threats in the NFL this week: Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey.

But the key term there is still “might,” because McCaffrey is currently dealing with a hamstring injury that has left him out since Week 3.

McCaffrey earned the limited designation on Wednesday. Then, the Panthers got some bad news: their star running back did not participate in practice on Thursday.

Since McCaffrey left the Week 3 victory over the Texans, the Panthers have lost both of their games. McCaffrey is a dual-threat running back — with the ability to make an impact in both the passing and running game. Without him, the Carolina offense is certainly less dynamic, and easier to stop.

The Vikings have their share of injuries as well this week. For instance, Minnesota wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson did not participate in Thursday’s practice. You can read the rest of the Vikings’ Thursday injury report here.