San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey left Sunday’s 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills with a knee injury, but it may be worse than initially thought. McCaffrey suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, which could potentially end his season, according to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
McCaffrey was injured after a tackle in the second quarter, and the team has not yet received a full diagnosis. However, Shanahan said a PCL injury typically requires a couple of weeks of recovery.
The running back was a key part of the 49ers’ game plan early in the game, rushing for 53 yards and catching three passes for 14 yards before his injury. McCaffrey has been limited by injuries this season, missing the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis and playing in only four games since his return.
The 49ers will likely be without McCaffrey for an extended period, a significant blow to a team already dealing with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Brock Purdy said losing McCaffrey takes away from the team’s offense, but the 49ers will need to move forward without him.
