Christian McCaffrey’s night took an unfortunate turn due to injury during the San Francisco 49ers’ matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The running back’s abrupt departure from the game due to a knee injury has sparked concern about his well-being. Now, many are wondering about what happened and when he will return to NFL action.
Here is a closer look at Christian McCaffrey’s injury.
How did Christian McCaffrey get injured?
Christian McCaffrey’s injury occurred under challenging conditions during Sunday night’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills. While running a sweep to the left on a snow-covered field at Highmark Stadium, McCaffrey stepped awkwardly and was tackled for a 5-yard loss. Earlier in the same drive, he sustained a hard tackle from Bills safety Taylor Rapp following an 18-yard run. McCaffrey walked off the field under his own power, was evaluated in the medical tent, and eventually taken to the locker room. The 49ers later confirmed he would not return.
Post-game, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that McCaffrey likely suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury. Shanahan said, “I think PCL is usually a couple weeks, but I’m not exactly sure yet.” While he refrained from providing a definitive timeline for recovery, Shanahan admitted the possibility of the injury ending McCaffrey’s season. The setback is particularly devastating for McCaffrey, who missed the first eight games of the season due to Achilles tendinitis.
When will Christian McCaffrey return to play for NFL?
Christian McCaffrey’s return to the NFL remains uncertain as the San Francisco 49ers running back prepares for further medical evaluations. Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that McCaffrey would undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the severity of the knee injury sustained during Sunday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills. The results will determine whether the All-Pro player can participate in any of the team’s five remaining games this season.
