McCaffrey suffered a non-contact knee injury during the second quarter
Nov 24, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brandon Allen (17) hands the football off to running back Christian McCaffrey (23) during the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey left NFL fans holding their breath during Sunday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. In the second quarter, McCaffrey went down with a non-contact knee injury after taking a pitch to the right at Highmark Stadium.
Without any defender touching him, McCaffrey pulled up, slid to the ground, and appeared to grab at his leg. He then limped off the field before heading straight to the blue medical tent on the sideline.
Shortly after, McCaffrey walked to the locker room under his own power. The team later announced he was questionable to return due to a knee injury. Before his exit, McCaffrey had accumulated 53 rushing yards on seven carries and added 14 receiving yards from two catches.
Latest Christian McCaffrey injury update
Kyle Shanahan put any speculation to rest during the NBC broadcast, stating,
“He’s not going to be returning.”
As the third quarter began, Shanahan confirmed that Christian McCaffrey would not rejoin the game following his knee injury. Shanahan later revealed McCaffrey might have a season-ending PCL injury.
Sports medicine physician Jesse Morse compared McCaffrey’s injury to Puka Nacua’s recent incident against the Lions. Weighing in on the situation via X, Morse provided his insights: “Christian McCaffrey landed directly on his right knee. Flexed, similar to Dalton Kincaid recently. He winced immediately. Remember the ground is essentially frozen, so it’s like concrete,” Morse explained.
Christian McCaffrey Stats
Christian McCaffrey had recorded nine touches for 67 scrimmage yards before leaving the game due to his injury. Coming into Sunday night’s matchup, he had totaled 149 rushing yards and 132 receiving yards across three games this season.
Troubling history of injuries continues for McCaffrey
This setback comes in a season already marred by injuries for McCaffrey. The All-Pro running back missed the first eight games of the year due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis and calf tightness. He even traveled to Germany in September for treatment after being placed on injured reserve.
Sunday night marked just his fourth appearance of the season, and his contributions had been limited to 149 rushing yards with no touchdowns before the game.
What McCaffrey’s absence means for the 49ers
McCaffrey’s absence couldn’t have come at a worse time for the 49ers. Entering Sunday’s matchup, San Francisco held a disappointing 5-6 record, sitting at the bottom of the NFC West standings.
Injuries have plagued the team throughout the season, with key players like Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Brock Purdy all missing time. Although Purdy returned to start against the Bills, losing McCaffrey, even temporarily, is a significant blow to the team’s already slim playoff hopes.
To make matters worse, linebacker Fred Warner also left the game with cramps. He was deemed questionable to return as well. Meanwhile, the Bills capitalized on McCaffrey’s absence, extending their lead after a 65-yard touchdown run by James Cook.
How long will Christian McCaffrey be out?
Update: Christian McCaffrey left the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to Buffalo with a knee injury, later confirmed by Kyle Shanahan as a PCL issue. With five games left, his season could be over.
A non-contact knee injury often raises concerns about ligament damage, which could mean a prolonged absence. If McCaffrey is sidelined for an extended period, the 49ers’ offensive struggles will likely worsen, putting even more pressure on Purdy and the team’s remaining playmakers.
If it’s a minor sprain, McCaffrey might return in a couple of weeks. However, anything more severe—like a tear—could mean he’s sidelined for months or even the rest of the season.
Before his injury, Christian McCaffrey looked sharp and showcased the playmaking ability that has made him one of the league’s most dynamic offensive threats. On one standout play, he displayed the burst and elusiveness reminiscent of his peak form. Moments like these remind fans of what McCaffrey brings to the field when healthy.
For now, 49ers fans and NFL watchers alike await further news on McCaffrey’s condition. His return to form is crucial not just for San Francisco’s playoff hopes but for a player who has faced more than his share of injury setbacks in recent years.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.
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Image: © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
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