ARLINGTON, Tex. — The Panthers enter into life without Christian McCaffrey today, though they hope it's not an extended absence.

Their starting running back is among the inactives for today's game against the Cowboys, as he recovers from a hamstring strain suffered in Week 3 at Houston.

The Panthers didn't put him on injured reserve (which would have required a minimum three-week absence), so there's some degree of hope he could return before that window would expire. He made the trip with the team, and was on the sidelines during pregame warm-ups, chatting with owner David Tepper.

Rookie Chuba Hubbard will start in his place, and they have Royce Freeman and Rodney Smith in reserve (Smith was elevated from the practice squad Saturday).

The Panthers also listed defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos as inactive, as he comes back from a Week 2 ankle sprain.

Also inactive were the following players: Wide receiver Shi Smith, guard Deonte Brown, guard Michael Jordan, defensive tackle Phil Hoskins, and linebacker Clay Johnston.

That means they have six cornerbacks active today, as newcomer CJ Henderson will be active for his first game.

Acquired in a trade with Jacksonville Monday, Henderson will likely play a limited role today, as they rely on existing options at corner.

PANTHERS INACTIVES

RB Christian McCaffrey

DE Yetur Gross-Matos

WR Shi Smith

G Deonte Brown

G Michael Jordan

DT Phil Hoskins

LB Clay Johnston

COWBOYS INACTIVES

S Donovan Wilson

QB Will Grier

S Israel Mukuamu

T Ty Nsekhe

WR Simi Fehoko

DE Carlos Watkins

DE Dorance Armstrong