Christian McCaffrey's injury report addition latest in long line of troubling 49ers trend

McCaffrey, up to this point in the season, has been San Francisco's most reliable offensive weapon. Tight end George Kittle missed five games earlier this season with an hamstring injury, while wide receiver Jauan Jennings missed two games. Quarterback Brock Purdy has been limited to five games, while wideout Brandon Aiyuk (knee), who last played in 2024, may have already taken his last snap with the organization.

After sharing McCaffrey's injury status, Schefter reported that San Francisco placed Aiyuk on the reserve/left squad list, meaning he won't play in 2025.

"At this point, it doesn't seem like he's coming back," Kittle told reporters earlier this week (h/t NBC Sports Bay Area).

While McCaffrey is averaging a career-low 3.6 yards per carry, he's been a major factor in the pass game. McCaffrey is on pace for his most receptions since 2019 (116), entering Week 15 with 85 receptions, 806 yards and five receiving touchdowns. He's first or tied for first on the Niners in all three categories.

If there was ever a game McCaffrey could miss and San Francisco not be impacted, it would be against the Titans (2-11). But it's a concerning sign that McCaffrey, who missed 13 games last season with multiple injuries, has another issue this close to the postseason.

It might make sense to sit him this weekend to make sure he doesn't aggravate the injury further.

Brian Robinson Jr., acquired from the Washington Commanders (3-10) earlier this season, would be the focal point of the rushing attack if McCaffrey's unable to play. He's second on the team in carries (72), gaining 328 yards (4.6 yards per carry) with two touchdowns in 13 games.

San Francisco has dealt with a multitude of injuries this season and weathered the storm, currently occupying the NFC's second wild-card spot. But it likely needs McCaffrey healthy to be a serious Super Bowl contender. His injury might not be an immediate factor, but if the Niners are careless, it could snowball into a much bigger deal.