Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Anthony Rizzuti

Panthers Week 1 injury report: RB Christian McCaffrey will start vs. Browns

After popping up on yesterday’s injury report with a nick to his shin, Carolina Panthers running back McCaffrey was not listed with a game status on Friday’s release. That, of course, means the star rusher is a go for Sunday’s season opener against the Cleveland Browns.

McCaffrey’s injury was never of any concern to the team, as it was—again—just a cut as a result of contact with a cleat. But given the sixth-year veteran’s recent history, the alarms went off on Thursday with his mere mention.

Buy Panthers Tickets

In another bit of encouraging news, kicker Eddy Piñeiro was a full participant. Carolina, nonetheless, signed Taylor Bertolet to the practice squad as insurance.

Additionally, rookie linebacker Brandon Smith was added with a thigh issue and head coach Matt Rhule told reporters that Pat Elflein will start at center as Bradley Bozeman continues to heal from his ankle injury.

Here’s the full report heading into Sunday:

Injury Wed. Thurs. Fri. Game status
K Eddy Piñeiro Hip Full Full Full
FB Giovanni Ricci Hip Limited Limited Full
RB Christian McCaffrey Shin Full Full
LB Brandon Smith Thigh Limited Questionable
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.