What happened to Christian McCaffrey? Examining Why 49ers’ Superstar RB Is Sidelined In Week 17 Vs. Lions

The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most disappointing teams of the season. After the offense brought them a lead in overtime of last year’s Super Bowl, the team is going to miss the playoffs outright this time. While their overall play has been weak at times, injuries have taken a toll on the team.

It all started in the offseason when star RB and MVP candidate Christian McCaffrey went down. So after his return he was again banned. Let’s examine the unfortunate season that McCaffrey has had so far.

Why is Christian McCaffrey out for the year?

The 49ers suffered their first blow of the year before the season even began. During training camp, a seemingly innocuous calf strain popped up for McCaffrey. He would miss the entire preseason. Initially seen as a minor concern, the team tried to be cautious with their star running back. Finally, a scratch in Week 1 raised alarm bells among the fan base.

A few days later, the severity of the injury became apparent and he was placed on the IR list. For treatment, McCaffrey traveled to Germany to see an Achilles tendinitis specialist. The situation was serious enough that he had to miss action until week 10.

A return in Week 10 did not bring the same kind of explosiveness from RB. Instead, after diminished numbers and productivity in four straight games, another injury against the Buffalo Bills put him out for good. A tight tackle against the Bills left McCaffrey with another knee injury, this time a PCL injury, which effectively ended his season.

How long will McCaffrey be out with injury?

San Francisco placed him on the IR list after their clash against the Bills. That technically gives him plenty of time to complete the four-week quota and come back in Week 18. But given the nature of the injury, a six-week frame is more likely for his timeline.

As a result, the regular season was always going to be nearly impossible as a point of return for the superstar RB. Nevertheless, with the team missing the playoffs altogether, McCaffrey will return for the 2025 season.

MORE: Doctor notes Christian McCaffrey had PCL surgery or reconstruction

However, the news is two-fold for the 49ers. On one hand, there shouldn’t be any lingering issues for McCaffrey heading into next season. But with a checkered injury history, the 29-year-old, who plays one of the most physically demanding positions, is already showing signs. In the long run, sustainability may be an issue for him.

Who will the 49ers start at running back?

For the first nine weeks of the season, it was Jordan Mason who held it down to San Francisco’s ground game. Over that stretch, he was fourth among all players in rushing yards. McCaffrey’s return pushed him back down the depth chart and slowed his numbers. Then the Week 13 game against Buffalo proved costly for him as well.

In addition to the CMC, Mason was also placed on IR, knocking him out for the next four weeks and effectively ending his season. With both men down, responsibility for the run game fell to Isaac Guerendo. Guerendo, a fourth-round rookie, was slated to be fourth on the depth chart behind the aforementioned two and Elijah Mitchell.

Unfortunately, a hamstring injury also sidelined Mitchell for the season, further depleting an already decimated 49ers rushing attack. Guerendo ran a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, which led all running backs and helped his draft stock significantly. He also posted a 41.5-inch vertical jump, which again ranked first at his position.

The 6’0″, 220-pounder amassed 1,392 career rushing yards and 17 touchdowns over his collegiate career at Louisville and Wisconsin. Initially, he was a wide receiver, but he made the transition to running back.

In limited time this year, he’s already up to 381 yards on just 73 carries. When Patrick Taylor Jr. and Israel Abanikanda make up the rest of San Francisco’s RB room, expect Guerendo to get the most touches.