Toward that end, McCaffrey came out Saturday night for pregame warm-ups dressed to play, in full uniform. But the time the game started, he traded in his helmet for a baseball cap, but when he came out in the second half, he looked like a camp counselor at the YMCA, wearing gym shorts and a jersey and a bucket hat (he was missing the Chacos to complete the look, sadly).
But there was never any intention to play him, and it would be a surprise if he did more than warm up Friday against the Steelers, even though Rhule said he wanted to see the rest of the starters get "a good half" of work.
"I think any time you're going to play in a game, you approach it like you're going to play the whole game," McCaffrey said. "That's where my head's at, is preparing to get ready to go play a football game."
His body, on the other hand, is in bubble wrap until things get real. It should be noted that the Panthers offense didn't really start pushing back against the Colts in joint practices until McCaffrey took a shot some felt was over the line, since everyone realizes how important he is to the process.
He said he likes a little contact, but knows where the line is. His teammates do too, and linebacker Jermaine Carter said they're aware that keeping McCaffrey available is a priority when they're on the practice field, because McCaffrey's showing the same kind of burst this preseason he's become known for.
"It's not real tough to tag off on Christian (instead of more physical contact) because of who he is," Carter said. "You try to protect your guys, but at the same time, you have to be competitive at all times.
"I feel like he's hungry and he's ready to go. He's the same guy; he's explosive, he doesn't look like he's lost a step. I can't wait to see what he does this year."
Neither can his coaches, which is why they're willing to wait for it.
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August 24, 2021 at 05:44AM
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Christian McCaffrey is worth the wait for the Panthers - Panthers.com - Panthers.com
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