The San Francisco 49ers are not in a good place right now, and neither is Christian McCaffrey’s status.
The All-Pro running back was placed on injured reserve on 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 plagued by injuries in a season that started with clear Super Bowl aspirations.
It was initially said that McCaffrey would be out for at least six weeks – with five weeks left in the season. Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan gave some reason for hope on Wednesday when asked if McCaffrey could possibly return during the playoffs, saying, “Yes, I believe so.”
However, the player himself seemed slightly less optimistic hours later on Instagram. McCaffrey didn’t specifically say he was out this season, but the past tense “This wasn’t my year” and his promise to “work smarter and harder than ever to come back from this better” certainly make it sound like he’s been accepted . he will not play again this season.
McCaffrey’s full caption:
For me, football is the best game in the world. I love that you can discover exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down, and it can happen quickly. It’s humbling in the best of ways. 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 going usually reap the rewards of their perseverance.
This 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 stay on the line. I’m grateful for the support from everyone in my corner and promise to work smarter and harder than ever to come out of this better. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Furthermore ➡️🙏🏼
If this really is it for McCaffrey, 2024 will be nothing more than a lost season for one of the best running backs in football. The 28-year-old was a late start before Week 1 with a calf and Achilles injury and did not make his debut until Week 10.
McCaffrey ended up playing just four games, with fewer and fewer yards from scrimmage in each game. Running back Jordan Mason – also set to go on IR with a high ankle sprain – did an admirable job filling in, but McCaffrey’s absence was still noticeable for an offense that relied on high-octane players at skill positions.
Assuming he’s done, McCaffrey will return next year after signing a two-year, $38 million extension before the season that will take him through 2027.
