Christian McCaffrey, the 49ers’ lead running back, suffered a calf injury in the team’s Week 9 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. The injury is expected to keep McCaffrey out for at least four weeks, and possibly longer. McCaffrey has been a key part of the 49ers’ offense this season, rushing for 385 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching 47 passes for 351 yards and three touchdowns.
Jordan Mason, McCaffrey’s backup, also suffered an injury in the game against the Cardinals. Mason injured his ankle and is expected to miss at least two weeks. Mason has rushed for 192 yards and three touchdowns this season.
With both McCaffrey and Mason out injured, the 49ers are expected to turn to rookie running back Ty Davis-Price as their starter. Davis-Price was a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has shown some promise in his limited action this season. Davis-Price has rushed for 145 yards on 32 carries this season.
The injuries to McCaffrey and Mason are a significant blow to the 49ers’ offense. McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL, and his absence will be felt. The 49ers will need to rely on Davis-Price and other running backs to step up in McCaffrey’s absence.
McCaffrey is expected to return from injury in four to six weeks, while Mason is expected to miss two to four weeks. The 49ers will be hoping to get both players back healthy before the playoffs.
The 49ers have been dealt a significant blow with the injuries to Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, but they will be hoping that their rookie running back Ty Davis-Price can step up and fill the void. The 49ers are still in the thick of the playoff race, and they will need their running game to be productive if they want to make a deep run into the postseason.
