San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey could be sidelined for the remainder of the NFL season after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the team’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
Losing Christian McCaffrey: A Crushing Blow for the 49ers
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the injury and described it as “potentially season-ending.” McCaffrey was hurt after an 18-yard run where he was tackled by Buffalo’s Taylor Rapp. Moments later, on a sweep to the left, McCaffrey awkwardly stepped on the snowy field and went down, clutching his knee.
“It looked like he just got shoe-stringed,” Shanahan said. “He was about to break a house call. It’s frustrating because he had a great week of practice.”
Before exiting, McCaffrey had been highly effective, rushing seven times for 53 yards and adding two catches for 14 yards. His longest run of the season, a 19-yard burst, came in the first quarter.
49ers Season Plagued by Injuries
This injury adds to McCaffrey’s challenging season. The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year missed the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis and had been working to regain his explosive form.
The 49ers, now 5-7, have faced a barrage of injuries throughout the year, with five starters absent during Sunday’s game. The team currently sits at the bottom of the NFC West standings, jeopardizing its playoff hopes just a year after reaching the Super Bowl.
“He’s one of the best running backs in the league,” said quarterback Brock Purdy. “Losing him changes how we operate offensively.”
Missed Opportunities in a Snowy Battle
The wintry conditions in Buffalo compounded the 49ers’ struggles. The team lost three fumbles, including a costly turnover at the Buffalo 1-yard line by Kyle Juszczyk, and kicker Jake Moody missed two of three field goals.
Despite rushing for 153 yards as a team, the 49ers couldn’t convert their ground-game success into points. Tight end George Kittle, limited to just one catch for seven yards, voiced the team’s frustration.
“It feels dark and gloomy,” Kittle said. “But we have to keep swinging and fighting every day we have left.”
What’s Next for the 49ers?
With McCaffrey’s season likely over, the 49ers will need contributions from backups like Jordan Mason, who rushed for 73 yards, and Isaac Guerendo, who scored a 15-yard touchdown. They should get it from Jordan Mason, who has been the 49ers most consistent runner this season. However, the road ahead remains daunting as San Francisco has lost the ability to score touchdowns.
The 49ers’ playoff hopes are dimming, while the Buffalo Bills continue their surge as one of the NFL’s most formidable teams. If the 49ers are going to make the playoffs, they need to recalibrate their approach moving forward and make the necessary adjustments. With a solid core and a proven system, the 49ers are well-positioned to bounce back, if they can stay healthy.
