Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey did not practice Thursday, a sign that he could miss his third straight game while trying to rehab from a hamstring injury.
The 2019 All-Pro running back had participated in four straight practices for the Panthers on a limited basis.
Coach Matt Rhule told reporters on Wednesday that McCaffrey was "50-50'' for the game and that his playing status would likely come down to a game-time decision. Rhule does not address reporters on Thursday of a normal game week.
The Panthers (3-2) host the Minnesota Vikings (2-3) on Sunday.
The Panthers' 2017 first-round draft pick was injured in a Week 3 win against the Houston Texans. He hasn't played since and the Panthers are 0-2 without him in the starting lineup after starting the season 3-0.
Chuba Hubbard would start if McCaffrey can't play. Hubbard ran for 101 yards on 24 carries in Carolina's 21-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday.
The Panthers also placed punter Joe Charlton on injured reserve with back soreness and signed Ryan Winslow to the practice squad.
