Just four weeks after returning to the field, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is out again.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Monday that McCaffrey suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during Sunday’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills and will be placed on injured reserve. McCaffrey’s recovery is expected to be six weeks, meaning the rest of his season is in jeopardy.
Additionally, Jordan Mason — who took over as RB1 after McCaffrey left Sunday night’s game — is on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain.
During the second quarter of Sunday night’s game, McCaffrey was rushed after suffering a non-contact injury. He went to the blue medical tent after a while, and then went back to the locker room under his own power.
The 49ers initially ruled McCaffrey’s return questionable before ruling him out early in the second half. After the game, Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey’s PCL injury was “potentially” season-ending, but did not provide more specifics.
With both McCaffrey and Mason out, rookie Isaac Guerredo could step in as San Francisco’s starting back.
McCaffrey made his season debut in early November after missing the first eight games of the season with Achilles tendinitis and cuff tightness. Shortly after starting IR 2 weeks ago, McCaffrey traveled to Germany to seek treatment from a specialist.
McCaffrey has played in four games since returning, with 50 carries and 202 yards, as well as 15 receptions for 146 yards. He was dominant in his first three games with San Francisco.
Mason, taking on a bigger role this season in McCaffrey’s absence, played in 12 games. Before going on IR, the third-year running back had collected 153 carries for 789 yards and three touchdowns so far this year.
The 49ers fell to a 5-7 record after Sunday’s loss and sit at the bottom of the NFC West. McCaffrey’s return last month was a big boon for the team, but San Francisco has more problems that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year couldn’t solve alone. Injuries have also hampered the team’s performance, with several key players on injured reserve, including receiver Brandon Ayuk.
