The San Francisco 49ers have managed to stay productive on offense despite missing star running back Christian McCaffrey for the first three games of the season. While the team has continued to perform well overall, their offense lacks the explosive edge it had with McCaffrey in 2023.
Without him, their ability to make big plays has diminished, though they have still been able to move the ball effectively. Jordan Mason has filled in admirably but hasn’t matched the dynamic impact that McCaffrey provided last season.
Jordan Mason has been a bright spot for the 49ers, emerging as a capable replacement. Statistically, Mason ranks highly in key areas such as yards after contact, and around 20 percent of his carries have gone for more than 15 yards, which places him inside the top 20 in the league.
However, this doesn’t compare to McCaffrey’s 2023 numbers, where more than 34 percent of his 400 carries exceeded 15 yards. McCaffrey’s unique ability to consistently create big plays set him apart as a game-changer.
McCaffrey’s absence has been felt in more ways than just the running game. Last season, his explosive plays regularly shifted momentum for the 49ers, with some runs going for as much as 65 and 72 yards.
Beyond the long runs, McCaffrey also contributed with significant receptions, many of which gained over 15 yards and resulted in touchdowns. These plays not only gained yardage but also helped flip the field and put points on the board, making him a crucial element of the 49ers’ offense.
On Wednesday, head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that there were no updates on McCaffrey’s status and that it was unclear whether he would return this season.
Medical experts, such as Dr. Kenton Fibel, have suggested that McCaffrey might be dealing with more serious damage, including possible microscopic tendon tears that haven’t responded well to initial treatment. These injuries, particularly in weight-bearing areas like the Achilles, could require extended recovery time, possibly through orthobiologic procedures.
If McCaffrey’s recovery follows the timeline outlined by Dr. Fibel, he could be sidelined for at least a month or potentially closer to two months. That would bring his return around Week 12 or Week 13, leaving the 49ers without his services for a significant portion of the season.
While Mason and the rest of the offense have stepped up in McCaffrey’s absence, his prolonged unavailability could present challenges as the team moves deeper into the season, especially if they have playoff aspirations.
