NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey Expected to Miss Remainder of Season

The San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season has taken another unfortunate turn. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed in his post-game news conference that running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury during Sunday Night Football's 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills that is expected to cost the 2024 Offensive Player of the Year the remainder of the regular season.

#49ers coach Kyle Shanahan tells reporters that RB Christian McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury that could end his season.

Just a nightmare of a season. pic.twitter.com/1LoD5eAwGJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2024

McCaffrey appeared to suffer a non-contact injury during the first half of last night's game. On a snowy, slippery field, McCaffrey appeared to notice something wrong with his knee within the first couple steps of an outside run. He slid to the ground to end the play and immediately left the field under his own power. A brief stop in the medical tent preceded a trip to the locker room, and he was quickly declared out.

McCaffrey missed eight straight games with Achilles tendonitis after being a surprise inactive in Week 1. He returned to action in a Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but failed to truly find his footing over his four appearances, totalling 348 yards from scrimmage while averaging a modest 4.0 yards per rushing attempt.

McCaffrey's absence over the season's closing stretch is disappointing for the 49ers. However, given his current level of play, it shouldn't make too much difference. Backup Jordan Mason has contributed an impressive 789 rushing yards at 5.2 yards per attempt this season, and the 49ers averaged an excellent 159 rushing yards per game over the eight games McCaffrey missed to begin the season.

If McCaffrey's unavailability is going to cause issues, it will be in the passing game. For his career, he has averaged an amazing 47.0 receiving yards per game at 6.9 yards per target. That is singular production at the running back position and is not easily replaced.

The 49ers have dug themselves a deep hole. Their 5-7 record has them last in the NFC West, and they've lost three of their four games within the division. If they're going to push for the playoffs, they'll need to funnel McCaffrey's touches elsewhere. Thankfully, they're in a good position to do just that. Mason has already proven he can handle the rushing load. If Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Jauan Jennings can finally all stay healthy, the 49ers shouldn't lack for pass catchers, either. Unless another team runs away with the NFC West, the 49ers still have a chance to turn their flailing season around.