Christian McCaffrey is one of the NFL‘s most explosive and critical offensive weapons, and he’s been electric to begin the season. But the San Francisco 49ers running back is dealing with an injury during Week 6.
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Update
McCaffrey was not on the field for the 49ers’ second third-quarter drive. Trainers were working on his back on the sideline and trying to stretch him out.
He eventually spent some time in the blue medical tent on San Francisco’s sideline.
#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey exits the game with an oblique injury and is questionable to return.
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 15, 2023
San Francisco initially announced CMC was dealing with an oblique injury and was questionable to return to today’s game.
McCaffrey returned for the first play of the 49ers’ next offensive drive but headed back to the sideline after that snap.
After one play, McCaffrey left for San Francisco’s locker room. He was jogging as he departed.
The 49ers officially ruled him out with roughly 11 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
CMC has scored five touchdowns over his previous two games. He’d rushed for 43 yards and scored a receiving TD before leaving today.
MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart 2023
Elijah Mitchell is McCaffrey’s direct backup, but he’s missed the past two contests with a knee injury. He handled just two attempts for negative yardage. Instead, Jordan Mason took five carries for 27 yards and a score in McCaffrey’s absence.
CMC wasn’t the only 49ers weapon missing from today’s game. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was also ruled out after a first-quarter shoulder injury.
After the game, Kyle Shanahan suggested McCaffrey was also dealing with a ribs issue but didn’t offer any additional details on the All-Pro RB’s condition.
Fantasy Fallout From CMC’s Injury
Through five weeks, McCaffrey averaged a tick under 20 carries per game. While Mitchell would be unlikely to fulfill CMC’s exact role, he would likely be the lead option and an RB2 in all fantasy formats.
The 49ers get a favorable matchup next week (Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings), and Mitchell averages 103.4 rushing yards per game when given at least 18 carries. This is precisely why you drafted Mitchell, and you should feel great about plugging him in any time McCaffrey misses action.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe