Injuries to McCaffrey, Horn sour Panthers' 3-0 start

Updated Sep. 24, 2021 3:33 p.m. ET

Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Normally teams would be fired up after starting the season 3-0.

But there is plenty of concern in Carolina after losing three key players

The team may have lost standout rookie cornerback Jaycee Horn for the season, according to coach Matt Rhule. The first defensive player selected in this year’s NFL draft has three broken bones in his right foot and the team said Horn will decide after consulting with his family on whether to shut it down for the season.

Also, safety Juston Burris has a groin injury and it's uncertain how long he will be out.

McCaffrey, a 2019 All-Pro, pulled up on the game's third series while

Chuba Hubbard and Royce Freeman are Carolina's other options at running backs, representing a significant drop-off from McCaffrey.

Hubbard struggled to find room after McCaffrey left the game in the first quarter, but had a decent second half to finish with 52 yards rushing on 11 carries. Freeman had 17 yards on five carries.

The good news for the Panthers is quarterback Sam Darnold is playing well.

He completed 23 of 34 passes for 304 yards with no interceptions and

“For us, we’re starting to find our identity as an offense,” Darnold said. “I’ve just got to, whatever play is called, we’ve got to execute that play. That’s my job is to get us in the right play and make sure we’re hitting on all cylinders, and the offense is moving in the right direction.”

WHAT’S WORKING

Carolina’s run defense continues to be outstanding, holding the Texans to 42 yards rushing on 17 carries. The Panthers entered the game with the league’s No. 1 ranked run defense and they'll almost certainly keep that spot after lowering their average to 45 yards per game. That’s a huge credit to defensive tackles Derrick Brown and DaQuan Jones, who have been stout up front and set the tone for Carolina’s pass defense. By making opponents one dimensional, defensive coordinator Phil Snow has dialed up some elaborate blitzes and the Panthers

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Carolina's offensive line. It allowed

STOCK UP

D.J. Moore has clearly emerged

STOCK DOWN

Conversely, wide receiver Robby Anderson has not been very productive since signing a three-year, $37.5 million contract extension before the season. After catching 95 passes for 1,096 yards last year with Teddy Bridgewater under center, Anderson has just five receptions for 103 yards, 57 of those coming on a touchdown reception in Week 1 against the Jets. The lack of chemistry between Darnold and Anderson is a little perplexing given they played together for two seasons with the Jets.

INJURED

Rookie Hubbard and veteran Freeman are expected to carry the load with McCaffrey out against the Cowboys. Rashaan Melvin and A.J. Bouye will see additional reps filling in for Horn. Look for Sam Franklin to step in at safety if Burris is sidelined for any length of time. The Panthers could make a move at safety given they're a little thin after placing Myles Hartsfield on injured reserve last week. And if John Miller's shoulder becomes a lingering issue, Trent Scott or Brady Christensen could fill in at guard. Miller banged up his shoulder against the Texans but stayed in the game.

KEY NUMBER

573 — Yards allowed by the Panthers' defense, the fewest of any NFL team that started 3-0 since the 1992 Reggie White-led Philadelphia Eagles. They are also 20th team in the Super Bowl era to give up 600 or fewer yards, 30 or fewer points in the first three games. Of the previous 19, 15 made the playoffs.

NEXT STEPS

Expect Rhule to preach the

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