Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey is not expected to play against the Denver Broncos, according to head coach Matt Rhule.
McCaffrey has not featured since last month's loss to NFL Super Bowl champions the Kansas City Chiefs – the running back restricted to just three appearances this season due to ankle and shoulder problems.
The Panthers were hoping to have McCaffrey back for Sunday's clash with the Broncos, but the 2019 Pro Bowler and All-Pro did not participate during Thursday's practice because of a thigh injury.
"He's rehabbing, and it remains to be seen where exactly he is with regards to that thing," Rhule said.
"I'm going to monitor it. At this time, I do not expect him to play, but I'll continue to monitor it.
"No one knows their body better than Christian, so I'll wait to see how the rehab goes."
Christian McCaffrey missed practice todayhttps://t.co/3Xx5h1T2rU
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 10, 2020
McCaffrey ran for 69 yards and a touchdown while catching 10 passes for 82 yards and another score against the Chiefs, who won 33-31 on November 8.
The 24-year-old led the league with 2,392 yards from scrimmage and 19 total touchdowns last season.
However, he has failed to live up to his reputation as a runner in his three games in 2020, the former eighth overall pick averaging minus 0.28 rushing yards over expectation, according to the NFL's NextGen Stats.
He has been more efficient as a receiver, however, McCaffrey is averaging 8.8 yards per reception and has not dropped any of the 19 passes thrown his way.
In three games this season, McCaffrey is averaging 124.7 scrimmage yards and scored six total touchdowns for the 4-8 Panthers.