Panthers forced to place McCaffrey and Brown on injured reserve

The Carolina Panthers have placed star running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve as he continues to struggle with a hamstring issue.

The medical team's decision means the 25-year-old will be out for a minimum of three weeks, returning no sooner than Week 9, when the Panthers face the New England Patriots.

McCaffrey picked up the injury in the 24-9 victory over the Houston Texans and missed the subsequent defeats against the Dallas Cowboys and the Philadelphia Eagles and had been ruled out of the upcoming game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Rookie guard Deonte Brown has also been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a knee injury in practice on Friday, with Michael Jordan replacing him from the practice squad to make up a 52-man active roster.

Running back Spencer Brown and punter Ryan Winslow will also make the step up to replace McCaffrey and Joseph Charlton, who was also placed on injured reserve.