In a surprising turn of events, San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has announced that running back Christian McCaffrey will not be ready to play in the team’s highly anticipated Week 10 matchup. The decision comes just days after McCaffrey appeared to be on track to return from an injury that had sidelined him for two games.
Shanahan, who had been optimistic about McCaffrey’s recovery earlier in the week, expressed disappointment in a press conference earlier today. “Unfortunately, after further evaluation, we’ve decided that Christian isn’t quite where we need him to be health-wise,” said Shanahan. “It’s a tough call, but we’re not going to risk it. His long-term health is the priority, and we want to make sure he’s 100% before we put him back on the field.”
McCaffrey, who had been dealing with a rib injury sustained in Week 8 against the Minnesota Vikings, had been making steady progress in his rehab. However, after testing his conditioning and taking part in light practices, the 49ers’ medical staff and Shanahan concluded that McCaffrey wasn’t fully recovered yet and would need more time to get back to full strength.
The news is a tough blow for the 49ers, who have already dealt with several injuries this season, including quarterback Brock Purdy’s concussion scare and defensive stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner playing through minor injuries. McCaffrey has been one of the team’s most valuable and explosive players, accounting for over 600 yards from scrimmage and 10 touchdowns in just eight games this season.
In McCaffrey’s absence, the 49ers will once again rely on a running back committee, including Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason, to shoulder the load in the backfield. The team’s passing attack, led by Purdy, will also need to step up without McCaffrey’s dynamic presence in both the running and receiving game.
Fans, who had been eagerly anticipating McCaffrey’s return, expressed their disappointment on social media, but many voiced their understanding of Shanahan’s cautious approach. “We’d rather have McCaffrey fully healthy for the stretch run than rush him back too soon,” one fan tweeted. “Hopefully, he’ll be back next week even better.”
The 49ers, currently sitting at a 6-3 record, will face a challenging test in Week 10 as they take on the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. Without McCaffrey, the team will need to rely on its depth and adaptability to secure a crucial win in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive NFC playoff race.
Shanahan concluded his press conference by reassuring fans that McCaffrey’s future with the team remains a top priority. “This is just a temporary setback. Christian is an incredible player, and we’re confident he’ll be back to his old self soon. We just need to be smart about it.”
