Carolina Panthers

Robbie Anderson may have played in his last game as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, Anderson had "multiple arguments with coaches on the sidelines" during Sunday's 24-10 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. That led interim head coach Steve Wilks to send him back to the locker room.

Robbie Anderson appears to have been sent to the locker room by the Carolina coaches.

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/4a1N8MkV2K

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 16, 2022

Wilks addressed the situation after the game:

Panthers interim coach Steve Wilks on Robbie Anderson: No one is bigger than the team. I’m not putting the focus on one individual.

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 16, 2022

Steve Wilks on Robbie Anderson: Says it was a "sideline-type" situation, said it was best to get him in the locker room at that moment.

"We'll discuss as we get into the week," he says.

— Augusta Stone (@augustalstone) October 16, 2022

Anderson also spoke on the matter after the game, noting he thought he should've been on the field for a third down:

Panthers WR Robbie Anderson said he was frustrated because he was not in the game on a third down. The Panthers went into Week 6 with the worst third-down offense in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/6mDEWTtj9b

— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) October 16, 2022

Anderson has been the subject of trade rumors in recent days, and Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reported it may take as little as a sixth-round pick to get him out of Carolina.

Firing head coach Matt Rhule may not be the only notable move the Panthers make this year, with a wider roster teardown possibly incoming.

The season didn't get off on a good note for Anderson.

The 29-year-old had to walk back a critical comment he made about Baker Mayfield since he and Mayfield would be sharing the same locker room. Mayfield's arrival then did little to lift the passing game as a whole.

As a result, Anderson is stuck putting up lackluster numbers (13 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown) on one of the NFL's worst teams.

Robbie Anderson's overall RTM score since the start of 2021 is a 13 on a 0-99 scale with 50 as average. Next-worst overall score by a qualifying WR/TE is a 30.

Anderson had an overall score of 42 in 2022 only entering Week 6, 11th-worst among qualifying WR/TEs.

— Seth Walder (@SethWalder) October 16, 2022

It's not hard to see why he wants out, and the situation might be untenable after Sunday.

The 6'3" pass-catcher isn't a high-volume target, eclipsing 1,000 receiving yards just once in his career. But he's averaging 15.8 yards per catch this year and 13.3 yards since entering the league in 2016.

The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams immediately jump out as playoff contenders that could use some help at wideout.

If the Panthers were hoping to drive a hard bargain, then that point might have passed, though.

Today's price is not yesterday's price.

No team is offering much for Robbie Anderson now. The #Panthers have lost any leverage they had today.

Take what you can get and move on.

— Cat Crave (@CatCraveBlog) October 16, 2022

Anderson is signed through 2023, and cutting him in the offseason will result in some financial consequences. Carolina would save $12 million but have $9.7 million count against the salary cap as dead money, per Spotrac.

Even if a late-round pick is all they can get pack, that's better than nothing for the Panthers and would allow all parties involved to make a clean break.

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly open to trading wide receiver Robbie Anderson ahead of the Nov. 1 NFL trade deadline.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers have had trade conversations focused on Anderson with other teams leading up to the deadline.

Schefter also reported that the Panthers are listening to offers on star running back Christian McCaffrey, although they aren't inclined to move him unless they receive a strong offer that includes a high draft pick or multiple draft picks.

Anderson is in the midst of his third season with the Panthers, recording 13 receptions for 206 yards and one touchdown. Since racking up five grabs for 102 yards and one score in an impressive season-opening performance, Anderson hasn't done much as part of a struggling Panthers passing game led by quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The 29-year-old Anderson is just two years removed from the most productive season of his career in 2020 when he set career highs with 95 receptions and 1,096 yards, while also scoring three touchdowns.

Prior to joining the Panthers in free agency, Anderson spent the first four seasons of his career with the New York Jets. Anderson signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Temple.

Anderson played under then-Temple head coach Matt Rhule in college, and Rhule later went on to become his head coach with the Panthers as well.

Following a disappointing 1-4 start to the 2022 season, Rhule was fired this week and replaced by interim head coach Steve Wilks.

The Panthers are trending toward competing for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, which they would likely use on the franchise quarterback they have been seeking since the decline and departure of Cam Newton.

Trading away key pieces like Anderson and McCaffrey would likely aid in securing the No. 1 overall pick, and there isn't a ton of incentive to keep them given how unlikely it is that Carolina will turn things around and compete for a playoff spot.

Anderson has been inconsistent throughout his career, especially over the past two seasons, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him generate some interest leading up to the deadline among teams in need of wide receiver depth and a deep threat.

Christian McCaffrey could be playing for another team come next month.

With the Nov. 1 trade deadline approaching, the Carolina Panthers are "listening" to offers for the veteran running back following the firing of head coach Matt Rhule, per ESPN's Adam Schefter, who notes "a deal might not be easy to complete."

"The Panthers rebuffed at least two teams' inquiries into trading for McCaffrey last week and will continue to reject overtures that they don't consider to be significant offers, according to sources," Schefter wrote.

While the Panthers aren't actively shopping McCaffrey, he "is receiving the most significant interest from teams" compared to some of Carolina's other players who might be available, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills are among the teams to have expressed interest in McCaffrey, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

McCaffrey signed a four-year, $64 million extension with the Panthers in April 2020, making him the highest-paid running back in football. However, he hasn't lived up to that contract since, mostly because of injuries.

The 26-year-old appeared in just three games during the 2020 campaign because of a high-ankle sprain, a shoulder injury and a thigh injury. In 2021, he played just seven games before missing the remainder of the season with an ankle ailment.

McCaffrey has appeared in all five games to start the 2022 season, rushing for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but the Panthers are fourth in the NFC South with a 1-4 record and appear headed toward their fifth straight season without a playoff appearance.

McCaffrey, the eighth overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, isn't slated to become a free agent until 2026. That being said, any team that wants to acquire him must be willing to make it worth Carolina's while, such as including a high draft pick or multiple draft selections.

It's no surprise the Broncos are one of the teams to have expressed interest in McCaffrey. Javonte Williams is sidelined for the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, so the franchise is currently set to move forward with Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone and Latavius Murray.

The 49ers are in a similar situation, with Elijah Mitchell on injured reserve with a sprained MCL. The team has relied on a combination of Jeff Wilson Jr., Tevin Coleman, Jordan Mason and Tyrion Davis-Price.

The Rams' situation is slightly different. Darrell Henderson has served as the team's top running back even though Cam Akers is healthy. Akers has been ruled out for Week 6 because of personal reasons, and it seems that a trade of the veteran running back could be possible.

Buffalo, meanwhile, is lacking a significant playmaker like McCaffrey out of the backfield, relying on Devin Singletary, Zack Moss and James Cook.

If McCaffrey is traded, it likely won't be until closer to the deadline as teams begin to get more desperate entering the second half of the season.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield avoided "major damage" and will not need surgery on the high ankle sprain he suffered, per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Mayfield is expected to miss 2-6 weeks with the injury. By avoiding a spot on injured reserve, the quarterback could return within the next four games.

Mayfield, who was acquired in July trade with the Cleveland Browns, suffered the ankle injury during the Panthers' Week 5 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

The 2018 No. 1 overall pick suffered a shoulder injury in Week 2 last season. It lingered throughout the year, causing him to miss three games before underwent surgery in the offseason.

He hadn't missed any contests because of injury over his first three NFL seasons after taking over the Cleveland offense in Week 3 of his rookie year.

Mayfield has completed 54.9 percent of his throws for 962 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions across five appearances for Carolina this season. The offense's struggles likely played a role in the franchise's decision to fire head coach Matt Rhule.

P.J. Walker is in line to take over as the team's starter for the time being.

Mayfield received a second chance to establish himself as a franchise cornerstone following the trade to the Panthers. While he's yet to take advantage of that opportunity, he'll probably continue to get chances to lead the offense when healthy.

The Carolina Panthers may be forced to turn to backup quarterback P.J. Walker after Baker Mayfield suffered a high-ankle sprain during Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided more context:

#Panthers QB Baker Mayfield suffered a high-ankle sprain in Sunday’s game, sources say. That means he’ll miss time, but how much will be determined by more tests and opinions. PJ Walker in line to start at QB this week vs. the #Rams.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 10, 2022

With Mayfield sidelined, the fantasy value of wide receiver D.J. Moore and running back Christian McCaffrey has been impacted. So, what is their outlook moving forward?

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D.J. Moore

Moore's outlook shouldn't change much with Mayfield sidelined, and it may even improve.

The 25-year-old has been one of Carolina's top receivers across four seasons and has posted more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last three years.

He posted those numbers while playing with a number of different quarterbacks, including Sam Darnold, Teddy Bridgewater, Walker, Cam Newton, Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen. So, he should have an easy time linking up with Walker, especially given his familiarity with the backup.

It's also not as if Moore was finding success with Mayfield under center.

He has 17 catches for 197 yards and one touchdown through fives games, which is a far cry from his production before Mayfield arrived.

Perhaps Walker can help him rediscover his form.

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Christian McCaffrey

Provided he's healthy, McCaffrey will still have a significant impact in the Carolina lineup.

McCaffrey is the team's top running back and unquestioned leader in the backfield. With Mayfield injured, he could see even more snaps and more looks while Walker fills in.

He has already rushed for 324 yards to go with 188 receiving yards this season.

The 26-year-old is one of the best running backs in the league when healthy, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons in 2018 and 2019. However, injuries have derailed his career since then, which has hurt his value to fantasy managers.

Still, he should be in starting lineups as long as he's healthy.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Baker Mayfield wore a walking boot on his left foot to his press conference after Sunday's 37-15 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Baker Mayfield walking up to the podium in a walking boot.@WFMY pic.twitter.com/7ycxnURlXr

— Amanda Ferguson (@_amandaferguson) October 10, 2022

Panthers QB Baker Mayfield while wearing a walking boot on his left foot said he will get an MRI soon to determine severity of injury.

— Ellis L. Williams (@BookofEllis) October 10, 2022

Baker Mayfield says frustration is the overriding emotion at 1-4 right now. Also indicated he injured his ankle. Doesn’t know the extent of the injury.

— Steve Reed (@SteveReedAP) October 10, 2022

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Monday that Mayfield had X-rays after the game and they were negative.

Mayfield completed 20 of 36 passes for 215 yards, zero touchdowns and one interceptions in the loss. Backup PJ Walker finished the game under center for Carolina.

Much of Mayfield's 2021 season was impacted by injury. He played much of the season with a torn labrum in his left shoulder after suffering the injury in Week 2.

Once the Browns were eliminated from playoff contention following a Week 17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they shut the 26-year-old down for the season and he underwent surgery on his shoulder.

"I've continued to lay it out on the line when I haven't been healthy and tried to fight for our guys," Mayfield told reporters. "Now it's time for me to start looking at what's in the best interest of me and my health."

It was a tough year for the Oklahoma product, whose injuries were accompanied by a dip in form. He finished the 2021 season with 3,010 yards, 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 14 games, completing just 60.5 percent of his passes. All four of those statistical categories were worse than what he offered in 2020.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged that the injury and the harness Mayfield had to wear to keep his shoulder in place affected his play.

"Throughout this whole thing, we have tried to make the right decision based on all the information available to us," he told reporters. "Constant dialogue with our medical staff, with Baker, and throughout have really felt comfortable based on all that information that he was able to play."

Mayfield clearly wasn't able to play at a high level, though, and the Browns made it clear they didn't see him as the starter going forward once they traded for Deshaun Watson. Mayfield's time in Cleveland was up, and after a lengthy wait, he was ultimately traded to the Panthers.

Mayfield won the starting job over Sam Darnold, though Darnold's own injury means the Panthers would have to turn to Walker if Mayfield misses time—unless Darnold is activated from injured reserve.

Carolina dropped to 1-4 with Sunday's loss and will face the reigning champion Los Angeles Rams next week.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was apparently close to being on the other sideline for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

He told reporters the NFC South team was "at the top of the list, one of the top couple" clubs in pursuit of him via trade this offseason.

There was a time this offseason when it seemed like a foregone conclusion that the veteran quarterback would be traded. After all, the 49ers traded up to select Trey Lance with the No. 3 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft and were ready to hand the offense to the younger option.

Carolina was connected to Garoppolo during the offseason but ultimately decided to trade for Baker Mayfield instead.

Perhaps it would want a do-over at this point considering it is off to a 1-3 start with Mayfield largely struggling while completing 54.7 percent of his passes for 747 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

San Francisco never traded Garoppolo, and his shoulder surgery may have weakened the market in trade discussions.

That is a fortuitous break for the 49ers at this point because Lance was lost for the season to injury. Having Garoppolo means the team still had a veteran option who led it to the NFC Championship Game last season and the Super Bowl during the 2019 campaign.

It has been an up-and-down start for Garoppolo and the 2-2 49ers, as he stepped out of the back of the end zone for a safety and threw a late pick during an ugly loss to the Denver Broncos and managed the game while effectively getting the ball into Deebo Samuel's hands during the most recent win over the Los Angeles Rams.

He could have been managing games for Carolina had a trade happened, but he is instead looking to lead San Francisco to the postseason once again.

Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey is active for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Schefter reported Saturday that McCaffrey was "likely to play" in the contest.

McCaffrey, who has recorded 300 total yards and one touchdown through three weeks, missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday with a thigh injury that left him officially questionable in the team's injury report.

There was some optimism moving forward about his status, though, per The Athletic's Joe Person:

As @RapSheet said, Panthers are optimistic about Christian McCaffrey‘s status. The hope is he’ll practice tomorrow after rehabbing quad injury all week.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 29, 2022

Panthers head coach Matt Rhule notably called the ailment a quad injury and that he wasn't sure when it occurred. McCaffrey played the entirety of his team's 22-14 win over the New Orleans Saints last Sunday and stayed in for the final snap.

The former Stanford standout entered the NFL in 2017 after Carolina selected him with the No. 8 overall pick in the draft.

McCaffrey crushed NFL competition in 2018 and 2019 with 4,357 yards and 32 touchdowns and paced the league with 2,392 total yards and 19 TD in 2019.

However, a high ankle sprain and then a shoulder injury in 2020 forced the 26-year-old to miss all but three games, and then a separate ankle ailment ended his 2021 season after seven matchups.

D'Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear comprise the rest of the Panthers' depth chart at running back. Luckily for the Panthers, they won't have to put that depth to the test against Arizona.

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly optimistic running back Christian McCaffrey will play Sunday despite missing back-to-back practices the last two days with a thigh injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"He's kept it close to the vest, but barring a setback, he should be OK," Rapoport said about the Week 4 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals.

The 26-year-old has had trouble staying on the field over the last few years. After appearing in all 48 games over the first three seasons of his career, he played in a combined 10 games in 2020 and 2021. His 2021 season came to an end after seven games because of an ankle injury after a shoulder problem limited him to three games the previous year.

After entering the league as the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft, the Stanford product quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the NFL.

His best season came in 2019 when he recorded 287 carries for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns while adding 116 receptions for 1,005 yards and four more scores. Unfortunately, it hasn't been easy for him to reclaim that form.

The Panthers offense has struggled mightily even when McCaffrey was healthy. The team ranks 30th in the NFL in total yards from scrimmage.

If he is unable to play, second-year speedster Chuba Hubbard is likely to assume the lead back duties for Carolina. Five-year veteran D'Onta Foreman is also set to see more action in the Panthers backfield.

Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule told reporters running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a quad injury and didn't provide answers as to whether he will be ready for Sunday's game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports provided more details:

It’s my understanding there’s more concern around this quad injury than the previous nicks that landed him on the injury report this month https://t.co/1HvJNFQGQb

— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) September 28, 2022

McCaffrey, who is in his sixth NFL season, has amassed 300 total yards and one touchdown in three games. He's rushed for 4.9 yards per carry and caught 10 passes for 57 yards.

The former Stanford star dominated the NFL in 2018 and 2019, posting 4,357 yards and 32 touchdowns. He notably led the league with 2,392 total yards and 19 scores in 2019.

Unfortunately, injuries held him to just 10 games over the next two years. McCaffrey sat due to a high ankle sprain and then a shoulder injury in 2020. Another ankle issue ended his 2021 season prematurely.

The 26-year-old returned healthy for 2022 and played in his first two games, but he landed on the team's injury report in the week leading up to a Sept. 25 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. Officially, the designation was "not injury related—resting player/ankle."

Joseph Person of The Athletic reported that McCaffrey was limited with ankle stiffness, but the running back didn't appear concerned about his Week 3 status and ended up playing in the game.

Christian McCaffrey: “I think at this point if I went to take a leak during practice, I’d end up on the (injury) report.”

Which is to say, he expects to play Sunday despite the ankle stiffness.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) September 22, 2022

If McCaffrey has to miss any time, the remainder of the Panthers' depth chart at running back consists of D'Onta Foreman, Chuba Hubbard and Raheem Blackshear.

Hubbard, a second-year pro out of Oklahoma State, took over for McCaffrey last year and had 612 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He rushed for 3.6 yards per carry.

Foreman also took over for an injured star RB last year in the Tennessee Titans' Derrick Henry (Jones fracture). He ended up with 699 total yards and three touchdowns alongside 4.3 yards per carry.

Blackshear is an undrafted rookie free agent out of Virginia Tech whom the Panthers signed off the Buffalo Bills' practice squad.