Christian McCaffrey’s backup lands on IR as 49ers lose 2 running backs in roller-coaster season
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a double blow in their running back department as both Christian McCaffrey and his backup, Jordan Mason, are headed to injured reserve. McCaffrey suffered a season-ending PCL injury in the recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, while Mason will miss at least the next four games due to a high-ankle sprain sustained in the same game.
With just five games remaining in the season, the 49ers have no choice but to rely on rookie Isaac Guerendo to step up as their lead running back. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed concern that McCaffrey could potentially be out for the rest of the season, leaving a significant gap in the team’s offensive strategy.
Despite losing three straight games and sitting at a 5-7 record, the 49ers are hoping to make a late-season push to secure a playoff spot. Currently in last place in the NFC West, they are still within reach of the division-leading Seattle Seahawks, who are only two games ahead at 7-5.
The running game has been crucial for Shanahan’s offensive system, and he will be looking to Guerendo to fill the void left by McCaffrey and Mason. McCaffrey, who played in just four games this season, had shown promise before his injury, while Mason had a breakout performance earlier in the season with over 100 rushing yards in three of his first four games.
Guerendo, a fourth-round pick out of Louisville, has shown potential with 246 yards and two touchdowns on 42 rush attempts in 12 games so far. The 49ers will be leaning on him to carry a significant workload as they aim to bounce back from their recent setbacks.
As the team navigates through these injuries and roster changes, the pressure is on for Guerendo to step up and deliver in a crucial stretch of the season. The 49ers will need to rely on his talent and adaptability to keep their playoff hopes alive in a competitive NFC West division.
