Panthers' Christian McCaffrey: Has chance to return Thursday

McCaffrey (ankle), who won't play Sunday at New Orleans, may return for Thursday's game against the Falcons if he's 100 percent, David Newton of ESPN.com reports.

McCaffrey picked up a high right ankle sprain Week 2, missing the Panthers' ensuing five games in the process. The team has yet to open his 21-day window to activate him from IR, and with a short week to prepare between games, his chances to prove his health on the practice field this week could be few and far between. As a result, if Carolina's staff holds McCaffrey out Thursday, he "seems likely" to make his long-awaited return Sunday, Nov. 8 in Kansas City.