49ers running back Christian McCaffrey might be down, but San Francisco is far from out.
On Saturday, the Niners placed the 2023 Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year on short-term injured reserve, forcing McCaffrey to miss the team’s next four games. He’ll be eligible to return in Week 6 against the Seahawks.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, his absence could be extended. The insider notes that the team will determine “whether he can return in mid-October.”
Losing a player of McCaffrey’s stature would cripple most offenses. But as the 49ers showed against the Jets on “Monday Night Football,” they are equipped to handle his absence.
Running back Jordan Mason was outstanding against what’s expected to be a strong New York defense this season. He had 28 carries, 147 yards and one touchdown in an easy 32-19 win.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel received eight carries and will likely add to those numbers in the coming weeks.
Brandon Aiyuk struggled in his first game after receiving a lucrative four-year, $120M extension but should look more comfortable in the coming weeks after missing all of training camp.
Tight end George Kittle is among the best in the NFL at his position and is a matchup nightmare against slower linebackers and smaller defensive backs.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan is among the league’s best offensive play-callers, and he’ll be even more valuable with McCaffrey unavailable.
It could also be a showcase for Brock Purdy, who will be without McCaffrey for the first time since taking over as the Niners’ starting quarterback with five games remaining in the 2022 regular season.
The loss of McCaffrey shouldn’t affect the Niners’ talented defense, either. The unit held the Jets to 266 yards in Week 1 and finished eighth in yards allowed (5,167) a season ago.
Despite his status as one of the league’s best offensive weapons, it speaks to the strength of San Francisco’s roster that McCaffrey’s stint on the injured reserve shouldn’t sink its season.
