The 49ers, securing the NFC’s top seed, are resting their standout running back, Christian McCaffrey, for the regular-season finale due to a calf injury. He’s eyeing a return for the playoffs after an exceptional season with 21 touchdowns and leading the NFL with 2,023 all-purpose yards (1,459 rushing, 564 receiving). McCaffrey got injured during the 27-10 win against the Washington Commanders, where he gained 64 rushing yards on 14 carries and caught four passes for 27 yards. San Francisco (12-4) is preparing to take on the Los Angeles Rams in their next matchup.
Elijah Mitchell filled in admirably for McCaffrey, notching an impressive 80 yards on 14 carries, capping it off with a touchdown. In the event that McCaffrey remains sidelined, Mitchell appears poised to take on the starting role as the 49ers’ primary running back for the upcoming game.
Since being selected by the Carolina Panthers as the eighth overall pick in the 2017 draft, McCaffrey has been a force on the field. His career stats speak volumes: amassing 6,185 rushing yards and crossing the end zone 52 times via the ground game. Beyond his rushing prowess, he’s been a versatile threat, reeling in 509 receptions for an additional 4,320 yards and finding the end zone 29 times through the air. His tenure spanned from 2017 to 2022 with the Panthers, followed by a brief stint from 2022 to 2023 with the 49ers.
Shanahan provided updates on running back Christian McCaffrey and other players during a conference call as the team readies for their last regular-season game. Shanahan confirmed that McCaffrey has a mild calf strain, forcing him out of contention for Week 18. Avoiding a must-win situation without their key running back comes as a relief for the 49ers. However, dealing with soft tissue injuries is challenging, and monitoring McCaffrey’s progress before the postseason becomes crucial. Shanahan expressed confidence in McCaffrey’s readiness for the playoffs, but the team will closely monitor his recovery process.
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