The will reportedly have to play their fifth game without superstar running back this week. On Tuesday, reported that McCaffrey is not likely to play on Sunday against the due to his high ankle sprain, but he is close to returning to the field. Carolina will reportedly err on the side of caution here in Week 7, since the Panthers are scheduled to take on another divisional opponent in the on a short week next Brian Bowen Jersey Thursday.The former No. 8 overall pickduring the Panthers' Week 2 lo s to the , and it was an i sue that we knew was going to knock him out for several weeks. The Panthers surprisingly won their first few games after McCaffrey was sidelined with his injury, and have gone a total of 3-1 with as the starter.Davis, who was claimed off of waivers by Carolina after being released by the 11 months ago, has rushed 63 times for 271 yards and two touchdowns in his last four starts, and has also caught 24 pa ses for 135 yards and two more scores. He's been effective as the Panthers' lead back, but McCaffrey is sorely mi sed in this offense.Due to Carolina's 23-16 lo s to the Bears on Sunday, the Panthers find themselves in third place in the NFC South with a 3-3 record. They have a chance to move into second place ahead of the Saints with a win on Sunday, but and Co. are riding a two-game win streak and are also coming off of a bye week. It appears McCaffrey will have a good shot to return to the starting lineup against the Falcons in Week 8, but Carolina clearly wants to be careful with how they handle his return since they are set to play two games in five days. Jeremy Lamb Jersey