Thursday, Christian McCaffrey was limited in practice for second day in a row while he continues to nurse a hamstring injury sustained in the Panthers’ week-three Thursday night game against the Texans. And while the all-pro back says he’s feeling good about his recovery and the possibility of playing Sunday against the Eagles, he doesn’t have the same feelings about the short week that comes with playing Thursday night games.
“It was extremely frustrating,” McCaffrey said. “I don’t prefer Thursday night games. You go through a lot in a football game and you really get two days to recover and one of those days is a travel day. You get two days to recover, you hop on a plane, you’re in a hotel and you go out and play in a football game. It’s just really tough, but it is, what it is. It’s part of the game.”
When asked if he believes the quick turnaround led to his injury, McCaffrey didn’t hesitate.
Definitely. Definitely. There’s no telling if you had another three or four days to recover – you just never know, but I definitely think so.
While McCaffrey says he’s not complaining, you won’t find him beating the drum as an advocate for Thursday night games.
“I would definitely say, and I think I’m not alone in this, but I’d probably argue against them. I understand though. It’s part of the game. I could sit up here and complain. I’m not complaining, but it is frustrating sometimes when you feel like something could’ve been avoided with a little more rest. But I’m sure if I got through that game 100%, I wouldn’t be saying anything about it.”
