Team news: Carolina Panthers

Panthers RB Mike Davis Davis is listed as doubtful for Week 17, according to Panthers head coach Matt Rhule. Rhule said Davis is very doubtful and will not play as of now.

Rodney Smith will be given a chance to carry the load for the Panthers as they close out the season.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey will not play Week 17.

McCaffrey will be shut down for the year in what has been a lost season for the star running back. McCaffrey only appeared in three games this season due to a variety of injuries, but was effective when on the field. Mike Davis is also expected to miss Week 17, leaving Carolina very shorthanded at running back. McCaffrey will return as an elite RB1 in fantasy leagues next season.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule says he would lean toward Christian McCaffrey (quad) not playing in the finale based on what he knows and has seen.

Related players: Mike Davis

This shouldn't come as a surprise at this point. That would mean the running back, and likely first overall pick in your fantasy draft, has missed 13 of 16 games this season, the tweet went on to say. Davis will again resume the RB1 role in the final week of the season.

Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey is doubtful for Sunday's game against the Washington Football Team, according to the team's official injury report.

CMC's lost season is almost over. Mike Davis will continue to be Carolina's lead back, with Rodney Smith seeing work as the season winds down.

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is not practicing Wednesday due to his thigh injury.

It's safe to say McCaffrey's Week 16 status is in doubt, a fitting conclusion to a hugely disappointing season for the star running back. McCaffrey still displayed elite skills when he was on the field, but injuries completely derailed his season for the Panthers and fantasy managers. McCaffrey will return as an elite RB1 in fantasy next season.

Running back Christian McCaffrey has played only three games in 2020 due to various injuries, but the 4-10 Panthers have not shut him down.

On Monday, head coach Matt Rhule said whether McCaffrey plays Sunday depends on if he’s available earlier in the week.

Related players: Mike Davis

McCaffrey suffered a thigh injury during a Week 14 practice. He hasn’t played since Week 9, when he suffered a shoulder injury during Carolina’s loss to Kansas City. Rhule indicated if McCaffrey can practice Wednesday, he could be on track to play.