Christian McCaffrey (shoulder) to miss third straight game vs. Vikings

Christian McCaffrey is out for the Carolina Panthers game vs. the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

McCaffrey was limited in practice all week with a shoulder injury suffered on the final drive of the Panthers’ Week 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He has missed the past two games with the injury and was officially ruled out Saturday.

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said Friday that he was “pessimistic” that McCaffrey would be available, but that the plan had been for the running back to travel with the team. The Panthers announced Saturday that he would not be traveling.

“I’m pessimistic that he’ll play, but he’s practiced well enough this week to earn the right to be listed as questionable,” Rhule said Friday. “We’re kind of in a wait-and-see mode. But I’d label myself as pessimistic about his chances of playing.”

The running back missed six games prior to the Chiefs’ matchup while on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain.

McCaffrey has proved valuable in all three games he’s played in. He has scored two touchdowns each week, despite leaving the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game early with the ankle injury.

Mike Davis will start in his place for a ninth time this year. The Panthers are 21st in rushing yards per game (106.4) and are 15th in yards per attempt (4.2).

While one offensive starter will not return, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (knee) has been removed from the injury report and is full go for Sunday’s game. Rhule said that he looks like he did prior to the injury.

Cornerback Donte Jackson (toe) has also been ruled out for Sunday’s game and will not travel after being listed as doubtful.

Offensive lineman Dennis Daley (concussion) is also out for Sunday’s game.

The Panthers will have a chance to get two starting offensive linemen back after both missed last week’s game. John Miller (ankle/knee) and Russell Okung (calf) are questionable for the game. Rookie safety Sam Franklin (ankle), defensive end Marquis Haynes (shoulder), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (rib) and wide receiver Brandon Zylstra are also questionable.