The San Francisco 49ers’ star running back, Christian McCaffrey, could be sidelined for the remainder of the season after suffering a serious knee injury during Sunday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills. According to Adam Schefter, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that McCaffrey may have sustained a potentially season-ending PCL injury.
Adding to the concerning update, McCaffrey was seen leaving the locker room on crutches with a brace on his right knee, as reported by David Lombardi. The injury compounds an already challenging season for the 49ers, who are battling a series of setbacks amid their Super Bowl aspirations.
While quarterback Brock Purdy returned after a shoulder injury kept him out in Week 12, the 49ers were still missing several key players heading into the Bills matchup. Notable absentees included Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and others on injured reserve, such as Brandon Aiyuk, Dre Greenlaw, Javon Hargrave, and Talanoa Hufanga.
Now sitting at a 5-7 record with just five games left in the season, the 49ers face a daunting challenge to salvage their playoff hopes. McCaffrey’s injury, which occurred when he landed awkwardly on his right knee after a shoestring tackle, adds to a growing list of sidelined stars that has defined their season.
Given McCaffrey’s history of lower-body injuries, Shanahan’s fears may be well-founded, and his absence would further expose the team’s diminishing star power. Without a quick turnaround, this could mark the end of a dominant era for the franchise. Whether McCaffrey returns or not, the road ahead for the 49ers looks increasingly uncertain.
