What If Miles Sanders Can't Go vs. Minnesota?

Carolina Panthers running back Miles Sanders (groin) is listed as questionable for this Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

Sanders was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday but was held out on Friday. Head coach Frank Reich did note during his press conference Friday afternoon that he is "optimistic" that Sanders, LB Frankie Luvu, and WR Jonathan Mingo will play Sunday. All have been tabbed as "questionable."

Through the first three games of the season, Sanders has rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown on 41 carries (3.4 yards per attempt). He's also been fairly active in the pass game thanks to Carolina's issues at receiver, hauling in 12 receptions for 68 yards.

For all you fantasy owners out there, Sanders is projected to total 14.76 points if he does play in Sunday's game. It may not be a bad idea though to look at other options either on your roster or in free agency with Sanders' status up in the air.

If Sanders is ruled out, third-year running back Chuba Hubbard would slide into the starting lineup and would likely be backed up by Raheem Blackshear, who has been inactive the last two games.

"A lot of confidence in that group," said Reich. "Chuba has done very well. Obviously, we've been looking to get him more carries but I didn't call that many runs last week. We hope this game is more balanced. You never know. I have a lot of confidence in Chuba. We'll be good either way."

Reich also mentioned the importance of mixing in Laviska Shenault Jr. for "a carry or two" and did note that Tarik Cohen is "getting close" to contributing. If they believe Sanders will be inactive, it's possible Cohen could be elevated from the practice squad.