Panthers "hopeful" McCaffrey plays Week 9

Panthers HC Matt Rhule is "hopeful" RB Christian McCaffrey (hamstring) can play vs. the Patriots this weekend. Rhule added that the team will wait until Saturday to make a final decision on CMC. He also said that if McCaffrey is active, "it would not be a 40- to 50-play situation," per The Athletic's Joe Person. Exactly how limited McCaffrey would be is unclear. We'll continue looking for updates on the situation.