Throughout the season, alongside the San Francisco 49ers’ “Mr. Irrelevant” Brock Purdy, another standout player who often outshone Purdy is their running back, Christian McCaffrey. His exceptional skills not only played a pivotal role in securing the team’s playoff spot but also resulted in a substantial overnight windfall for one of his avid fans.
Meanwhile, despite the 49ers having clinched the top seed in the conference, a cautious approach is being taken with their star running back due to an injury he sustained in their Week 17 game.
Christian McCaffrey sidelined for Week 18 vs Rams
The 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan announced McCaffrey’s sidelining for Week 18 against the Los Angeles Rams, citing a mild calf strain as the reason for their cautious approach.
Despite the setback, Shanahan expressed gratitude that McCaffrey’s injury wasn’t more severe and affirmed the team’s confidence in his readiness for the postseason. The decision to rest him in Week 18 serves as a proactive measure to avoid any potential complications and ensure a strong return when it matters most.
“We’re really confident on that (McCaffrey will be ready for the playoffs). It was good news. It could have been a lot worse. We’re happy, and we’ll take care of him this week.”
He suffered the injury during the 27-10 victory in Week 17 against the Washington Commanders and could not return to the field after leaving the field.
In McCaffrey’s absence, Elijah Mitchell is expected to take the reins in the rushing attack against the Rams and is expected to play a crucial role in filling the void left by McCaffrey.
Meanwhile, McCaffrey’s remarkable season has positioned him as an MVP candidate, having accumulated a career-high 1,459 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns. Despite missing the final regular-season game, McCaffrey remains the league leader in rushing yards, solidifying his standing in the MVP conversation.
While the 49ers have already clinched the top seed, the decision to rest McCaffrey proves their focus on long-term success. The MVP favorite will now turn his attention to a full recovery and making a significant impact when the 49ers embark on their playoff journey. As Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ starter, voices his support for McCaffrey’s MVP candidacy, the team remains optimistic about their star player’s contributions in the postseason.
When will Christian McCaffrey possibly return?
As the regular season is going to conclude, the 49ers find themselves in a unique position, managing the delicate balance between securing a playoff spot and prioritizing player health. With the 49ers clinching a playoff berth, Shanahan expressed optimism about McCaffrey’s recovery before the divisional round.
“Hopefully, he’ll start getting to go during our off-week,” Shanahan stated.
The team’s consideration for player well-being is evident in their cautious approach towards McCaffrey’s return. The three-week break before the divisional round provides a window for the running back to recuperate, ensuring he is at his best when he returns to the field.
Despite the prudent approach, McCaffrey’s absence from the game introduces an element of risk regarding his league-leading 21 total touchdowns. Mostert, battling multiple injuries throughout the season and missing much of his playtime, poses a threat to McCaffrey’s touchdown record. Tied with Miami’s Raheem Mostert, McCaffrey faces a potential challenge if Mostert manages to find the end zone in the Dolphins’ critical Week 18 matchup with the Bills.
The 49ers, having experienced the impact of McCaffrey’s compromised health in previous games, are cautious about putting their star running back in a precarious position. McCaffrey’s inability to score a touchdown in their Week 17 win marked a rare occurrence—only the third game this season where he failed to find the end zone.
The coming weeks will reveal whether their cautious approach pays off, both in McCaffrey’s recovery and the team’s pursuit of success in the playoffs. Till then, stay tuned.
