2 min read • December 02, 2024
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San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey left the game under unclear circumstances, sparking early speculation that he may have suffered an Achilles injury. However, further examination using video analysis by team of Pro Football Docs revealed the injury is unrelated to his Achilles or left side.
Instead, the issue appears to involve his right knee, which he hurt on a previous play. The incident occurred during a shoestring tackle where McCaffrey landed awkwardly on the knee after being tripped up, raising concerns about a potential posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury.
The nature of McCaffrey’s injury is reminiscent of similar setbacks experienced by Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid and Rams wideout Puka Nacua earlier this season. With the game being played on a field with poor footing, it’s unlikely the 49ers would risk McCaffrey returning.
Early indications suggest the injury does not require surgery and is not season-ending, though its exact severity remains unclear. At best, it could be a low-grade PCL sprain, sidelining the All-Pro back for a couple of weeks.
In a worst-case scenario, the injury could involve additional damage, such as a meniscus tear, which would significantly extend his recovery timeline. The good news for the 49ers is that it’s not an Achilles injury, and McCaffrey will avoid surgery. A minor sprain could see him return within 2-4 weeks, but if there’s more extensive damage, the absence could stretch to 6-8 weeks, a major blow for San Francisco.
McCaffrey will undergo an MRI to determine the full extent of the injury and establish a clearer recovery timeline. For now, the 49ers and their fans are holding their breath, hoping their offensive centerpiece can make a swift return in the critical weeks ahead.
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