Christian McCaffrey Could Return from Injury If 49ers Make Playoffs, Says HC Shanahan

Christian McCaffrey's injury-ridden season took another unfortunate turn when the star running back went down with another injury in the San Francisco 49ers' Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Monday that McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury that requires a six-week recovery. Luckily, the injury will not require surgery.

But all hope of McCaffrey returning this year is not lost. Per NFL Network's Clayton Holloway, Shanahan said on Wednesday that McCaffrey could potentially return to the field if San Francisco makes the playoffs.

A playoff appearance will take some work for the 49ers, who dropped to 5-7 with Sunday's loss, but if they do end up in the postseason, their chances of a deep run would increase significantly if McCaffrey were to play.

McCaffrey, who suffered Achilles tendonitis during training camp and missed the first eight games of the year, played just four games before suffering the PCL injury. In snowy conditions in Buffalo in Week 13, McCaffrey went down untouched and did not return to the game.

Through four games, McCaffrey had 202 rushing yards on 50 carries along with 146 receiving yards on 15 receptions.

McCaffrey had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023, totaling 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns through the air.

After his MVP-caliber season, there were high expectations for him in 2024, but injuries unfortunately stood in his way.

McCaffrey has been one of many 49ers to have dealt with injuries this year. Also in Week 13, backup running back Jordan Mason suffered a high-ankle sprain that landed him on the injured reserve. Defensive end Nick Bosa and offensive tackle Trent Williams have missed time with an oblique injury and an ankle injury, respectively, and Brandon Aiyuk is out for the year with a torn ACL.