CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey will not get a prime-time return from a high ankle sprain, a league source confirmed to ESPN.
The Panthers (3-4) decided not to activate McCaffrey for Thursday night's nationally televised game against the Atlanta Falcons (1-6), meaning his likely return will be next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.
McCaffrey returned to practice on Monday and on Tuesday was given a designation to return from injured reserve. But because it was a short week and McCaffrey didn't get to go through a full practice, the team opted to exercise caution.