The 49ers' uphill battle in the NFC became more difficult Sunday, as superstar running back Christian McCaffrey was dealt another injury setback.
After missing the first eight games of the season, McCaffrey debuted in San Francisco's Week 10 win over Tampa Bay. Three weeks later, McCaffrey looked to be back to his All-Pro form during a snowy "Sunday Night Football" game before a knee injury ended his night in the second quarter.
Given McCaffrey's importance to the franchise, there is a high level of concern surrounding his most recent injury and what it will mean for him moving forward. Here is everything to know about McCaffrey's injury, including reports on the severity and how much time he is expected to miss.
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What is Christian McCaffrey's injury?
McCaffrey's suffered a PCL injury, per 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
McCaffrey suffered the injury early in the second quarter of the 49ers' Week 13 loss to the Bills on Sunday night. After turning in an 18-yard run, McCaffrey took two plays off and checked back in. On 1st-and-10, McCaffrey took a pitch to the right side but immediately looked off, hobbling into a slide to end the play.
That did not look good for 49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey. #NFL #SNF pic.twitter.com/OZa3z6F9ck
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 2, 2024
The specifics of McCaffrey's PCL injury were not disclosed as it will take further testing to determine the specific injury. The PCL is the posterior cruciate ligament, which runs along the back of the knee.
PCL injuries vary in severity from sprains to complete tears.
MORE: Updated NFL playoff picture | Week 14 NFL power rankings
How long is Christian McCaffrey out?
McCaffrey's injury is reportedly feared to be season-ending. The 49ers confirmed Monday that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is being placed on IR, forcing him to miss a minimum of four weeks, but he's likely out for at least the remainder of the regular season.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey did in fact injure his PCL in Sunday night's loss to Buffalo. He does NOT need surgery but is likely to miss 6 weeks, so he heads to injured reserve.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) December 2, 2024
San Francisco has five games left on its schedule and must make up ground in the standings to qualify for the playoffs.
MORE: Updated NFC West playoff picture with five games remaining
PCL recovery time
PCL recovery time varies based on the severity of the injury. A mild injury could heal within days, per the Cleveland Clinic. If McCaffrey were to undergo surgery, he could miss between six to nine months. In the latter scenario, McCaffrey would miss the rest of the 2024 NFL season.
49ers schedule 2024
San Francisco enters Week 14 with a 5-7 record. The 49ers return to the Bay for a two-game homestand that includes a quick turnaround. They'll face the Bears on Sunday before returning to the field for "Thursday Night Football" in Week 15.
Here are their final five games of the regular season:
| Week | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) |
| 14 | Sunday, Dec. 8 | vs. Bears | 4:25 p.m. |
| 15 | Thursday, Dec. 12 | vs. Rams | 8:15 p.m. |
| 16 | Sunday, Dec. 22 | at Dolphins | 4:25 p.m. |
| 17 | Monday, Dec. 30 | vs. Lions | 8:15 p.m. |
| 18 | TBD | at Cardinals | TBD |
