The San Francisco 49ers are not in a good place right now, and that includes the Christian McCaffrey situation.
The All-Pro running back was placed on injured reserve Monday after spraining his PCL in Sunday’s blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills. The loss was a low point for the 5-7 Niners, who were marred by injuries in a season that began with clear Super Bowl aspirations.
McCaffrey was initially expected to be out at least six weeks — with five weeks left in the season. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan gave some reason for hope Wednesday when asked if McCaffrey could conceivably return during the playoffs, saying, “Yeah, I believe so.”
The player himself, however, seemed a little less optimistic on Instagram a few hours later. McCaffrey didn’t specifically say he was out for the season, but the past tense “it just wasn’t my year” and a promise to “work smarter and harder than ever to come back from it better” certainly sounds like acceptance. He is not playing again this season.
McCaffrey’s full caption:
Football is the biggest game in the world for me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down, and it can happen quickly. It’s humbling in the best way. You can do everything right and still fail. That’s life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of will and those who just keep on reaping the benefits of their perseverance.
It wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I am grateful for everyone’s support in my corner and promise to come back from this better and smarter and work harder than ever. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers and I love football. God never misses. Go ahead ➡️🙏🏼
If this is indeed the case for McCaffrey, 2024 will be nothing but a losing season for the best running back in football. The 28-year-old was a late scratch with a calf and Achilles injury 1 week ago and did not make his debut until 10 weeks.
McCaffrey ended up playing in just four games, with progressively fewer yards from scrimmage in each. Backup running back Jordan Mason — also set to go on IR with a high ankle sprain — did an admirable job of filling in, but McCaffrey’s absence was still noticeable for an offense that relies on high-octane players at the skill position.
Assuming he’s done, McCaffrey will be back next year, having signed a two-year, $38 million extension that will take him through 2027.
