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Christian McCaffrey will return to practice, but continue getting rest days

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a back issue heading into Week 6. He’ll play, but he’s going to be on a maintenance plan moving forward. We break down the fantasy football implications.

By David Fucillo
Christian McCaffrey of the Carolina Panthers during the second half of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Bank of America Stadium on October 06, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers have officially moved into maintenance mode with star running back Christian McCaffrey. The prolific back is dealing with a back injury and while he will return to practice after a day off on Wednesday, he will continue getting rest days in future weeks, according to Panthers reporter David Newton. The Panthers are headed to London and return to practice on Friday.

McCaffrey is coming off the biggest game of his career in Week 5. He had 19 rushes for 176 yards and a two touchdowns, and added six receptions for 61 yards and a touchdown. He’s averaging 27.2 touches per game, which is a step up from the 20.4 touches he averaged last season.

Fantasy football analysis, Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey has been a dominant performer this season for the Panthers, and a little rest makes sense given how much work he is getting. There were concerns coming out of college he could not handle being a workhorse back, but through five games in 2019 he is carrying this offense. If he stays healthy the rest of this season, there’s a very good chance he is the No. 1 overall pick in most fantasy football leagues in 2020.

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