Panthers' Christian McCaffrey: Not slated to return Week 7

McCaffrey (ankle) isn't expected to return for Sunday's game at New Orleans, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.

Pelissero's report comes a day after coach Matt Rhule told Joe Person of The Athletic that he is unsure whether McCaffrey will be available "this week, next week or the week after." The superstar running back so far has missed four consecutive games due to a high right ankle sprain and seems poised to log a fifth DNP this weekend. Perhaps the Panthers hope McCaffrey is able to practice in the near future with an eye toward a Week 8 matchup with the Falcons on Thursday, Oct. 29, or a return Sunday, Nov. 8 in Kansas City. As long as McCaffrey is sidelined, Mike Davis will serve as Carolina's bell-cow back.