By Steve Reed
AP Sports Writer

CHARLOTTE — Panthers coach Matt Rhule said “it’s a possibility” star running back Christian McCaffrey could return to action Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons.

“It’s sort of out of my hands, but I am hopeful we will have him,” Rhule said, adding that the decision is largely up to the team’s training staff.

McCaffrey was back on the practice field Monday wearing a red jersey signifying an injured player and he remains on the team’s injured reserve list for now. He did not practice, working instead with the training staff.

The 2019 All-Pro running back has missed the past five games with a high ankle sprain.

He was off to a solid start with 223 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns in the first two games. He left a Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter and hasn’t practiced since.

The Panthers (3-4) are in need of a win to stay in the thick of the NFC South race, so they could certainly use McCaffrey.

While there is some conventional thinking that the team might err on the side of caution and hold him out Thursday, thus giving him another 10 days to allow him to recover, Rhule seemed to put that notion to rest, saying “if you know Christian, he wants to play. As soon as he is ready to go he will go.”

“That would be exciting to see Christian back out there if he is ready to go,” quarterback Teddy Bridgewater said. “He’s been working extremely hard and I know he’s itching to get back out there.”

Carolina defeated the Falcons in Atlanta 23-16 three weeks ago without McCaffrey. McCaffrey’s backup Mike Davis had a big game in the previous matchup, rushing for 89 yards on 16 carries and catching nine passes for 60 yards and a touchdown.

Panthers left tackle Russell Okung and guard John Miller did not practice Monday.

NOTES: The Panthers released wide receiver Seth Roberts and practice squad defensive back Josh Hawkins.

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