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Patriots vs. Panthers preview: How New England’s defense might find success in Week 9

The Carolina Panthers offense is an enigma. It’s not because of its schemes or play calls or personnel usage, but rather the fact that its arguably two most important players are both not guaranteed to be ready for the Week 9 matchup with the New England Patriots: quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Christian McCaffrey.

While Darnold is listed as questionable on Friday’s final injury report of the week due to concussion and shoulder issues — he left last week’s game against the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth quarter after taking a hard hit on an 8-yard run play, McCaffrey remains on injured reserve.