Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco 49ers fans are holding their breath once again as star running back Christian McCaffrey finds himself sidelined with another injury. The dynamic playmaker, who missed the first eight games of the 2024 NFL season due to Achilles tendinitis, was forced out of Sunday night’s Week 13 matchup with the Buffalo Bills after suffering a knee injury in the second quarter.
McCaffrey, who had been playing at a high level after returning from his Achilles injury, showcased his explosive skills early in the game, rushing for 53 yards on just seven carries. But things took a turn when he took a pitch from quarterback Brock Purdy. As he tried to make a move, McCaffrey slowed to a limp before sliding to the ground in the snow-covered Highmark Stadium, intentionally avoiding contact.
The injury seemed serious enough for immediate medical attention. McCaffrey was escorted to the sideline and walked gingerly to the medical tent. Moments later, he was seen heading to the locker room for further evaluation, leaving third-year backup Jordan Mason to step into the backfield.
The 49ers quickly ruled McCaffrey as questionable to return, though no official updates have been given yet regarding the severity of the injury. His departure from the game sent a wave of concern through the 49ers faithful, especially after his impressive 2023 campaign, where he was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year after surpassing 2,000 scrimmage yards.
For McCaffrey, the injury bug has continued to haunt him. After missing significant time in 2020 and 2021 while with the Carolina Panthers, his 2024 campaign has already been marred by injury setbacks, putting a potential playoff push for the 49ers at risk.
With McCaffrey now dealing with yet another injury, the 49ers are looking to Jordan Mason, and potentially other running backs, to pick up the slack and help the team continue its push toward the postseason. For McCaffrey, though, it’s yet another chapter in a frustrating career battle with injuries that has prevented him from maintaining the health he needs to stay on the field and continue to dominate.
