Niners RB Christian McCaffrey Suffers Possible Season-Ending Knee Injury in Loss to Bills
Santa Clara, Calif. – San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a potential season-ending knee injury in the team’s 34-24 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium.
Injury Details
McCaffrey sustained the injury late in the third quarter while attempting to tackle Bills cornerback Taron Johnson after an interception. He immediately grabbed his knee and was helped off the field by trainers. Initial reports indicate that McCaffrey may have suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which would sideline him for the remainder of the 2023 season.
The 49ers have not yet released an official diagnosis or timeline for McCaffrey’s return, but the injury is a major blow to their Super Bowl aspirations. McCaffrey had been one of the most dynamic and productive players in the NFL since being acquired by San Francisco in a trade from the Carolina Panthers last October.
McCaffrey’s Impact on the 49ers
McCaffrey’s absence will be felt throughout the 49ers’ offense. The 26-year-old had emerged as a versatile threat, capable of carrying the ball, catching passes out of the backfield, and even lining up as a wide receiver. In nine games with San Francisco, McCaffrey rushed for 746 yards and eight touchdowns while adding 33 receptions for 257 yards and two more scores.
Without McCaffrey, the 49ers will likely turn to a combination of running backs Elijah Mitchell and Tyrion Davis-Price. Mitchell missed the first seven games of the season with a knee injury but has shown flashes of his previous form. Davis-Price, a rookie, has limited experience but could be thrust into a larger role with McCaffrey sidelined.
49ers’ Remaining Schedule
The 49ers (8-5) are still in the thick of the NFC playoff race, but their remaining schedule is challenging. They host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-7) on Sunday before traveling to face the Seattle Seahawks (7-6) and Las Vegas Raiders (5-8). They then close out the season with home games against the Washington Commanders (7-5-1) and Arizona Cardinals (4-9).
The 49ers will need to find a way to replace McCaffrey’s production if they want to make a deep playoff run. Mitchell and Davis-Price will have to step up, and quarterback Trey Lance will need to continue to develop as a passer. The loss of McCaffrey is a major obstacle, but the 49ers have shown resilience throughout the season and will look to overcome this adversity.
Fantasy Football Implications
For fantasy football owners, McCaffrey’s injury is a significant setback. He was one of the most highly drafted players in fantasy leagues and was expected to be a major contributor. Owners who drafted McCaffrey should consider adding Mitchell or Davis-Price to their rosters, but they should also be prepared to adjust their expectations for the remainder of the season.
The 49ers’ next game is against the Buccaneers on Sunday, December 11th, at 4:25 PM ET on FOX. It remains to be seen how San Francisco will adjust to life without McCaffrey, but the team will be motivated to bounce back from their loss to the Bills and prove that they are still a contender in the NFC.