Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders has had a season to forget here in 2023—and it got a lot more forgetful on Friday.
After not participating in practice at all this week, the fifth-year rusher was ruled out of the team’s Week 6 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Sanders, who had dealt with a lingering groin injury throughout the preseason, is now trying to heal up from a shoulder issue.
Head coach Frank Reich, however, believes this injury may not keep his starting back out too long.
“I don’t think it’s going to be long-term,” Reich told reporters this afternoon. “At the beginning of the week, wasn’t sure. I think he made some good progress. I don’t wanna get too optimistic. Just see how he responds after gettin’ a lot of treatment over the weekend and I know he’s workin’ hard to get back.”
Sanders has gotten off to a slow start after signing a four-year, $25.4 million deal with Carolina this offseason. He’s rushed for just 190 yards and one touchdown on 61 attempts with a career-low average of 3.1 yards per tote.
Backup Chuba Hubbard is expected to get the bulk of the carries in Sanders’ absence. The Panthers may also give some extra backfield work to wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. and Raheem Blackshear, who Reich said should be active for the contest.
