49ers Christian McCaffrey carries the ball for several yards during first half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024.

Injured 49ers star Christian McCaffrey: ‘This wasn’t my year’

Christian McCaffrey, at the premature end of a season that started late, too, waxed philosophical in a social media post on Wednesday.

The San Francisco 49ers running back, three days after tearing the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the snow at Buffalo, wrote on Instagram, “This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours.”

The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year landed on injured reserve on Tuesday, ending his regular season after just four games. He missed the 49ers’ first eight contests due to an Achilles/calf injury.

“Football is the greatest game on the planet to me,” McCaffrey posted on Instagram. “I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast. It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats (sic) life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance.”

He added, “You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward.”

McCaffrey finishes the season with 50 carries for 202 yards plus 15 receptions for 146 yards. He had no touchdowns.

A year ago, McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,203 yards from scrimmage, 21 touchdowns from scrimmage, and 1,459 rushing yards.

The two-time All-Pro has 6,387 career rushing yards on 1,347 carries (4.7 per attempt) and 52 touchdowns on the ground. He also has 524 catches for 4,466 yards and 29 scores.

The 49ers (5-7) bring a three-game losing streak into their Sunday home game against the Chicago Bears.

–Field Level Media

East Rutherford, NJ -- August 24, 2024 -- Israel Abanikanda of the Jets runs the ball in the first half. The New York Giants and New York Jets meet at MetLife Stadium in the final preseason game of the 2024 season for both teams.

49ers claim RB Israel Abanikanda off waivers from Jets

The San Francisco 49ers claimed running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the New York Jets on Tuesday, one day after placing running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason on injured reserve.

The Jets released Abanikanda on Monday after adding Kene Nwangwu to the active roster. Nwagwu had been a practice-squad elevation for the Jets last Sunday against Seattle and returned a kickoff for a touchdown in the game.

Abanikanda, 22, was a fifth-round draft pick by the Jets in 2023. After running 22 times for 70 yards and catching seven passes for 43 yards in six appearances as a rookie, Abanikanda did not play a regular-season game for New York in 2024, buried on the depth chart behind Breece Hall and others.

When the Niners placed McCaffrey and Mason on IR, rookie Isaac Guerendo was left as the only healthy running back on their active roster.

In Sunday night’s loss at the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the field in pain in the second quarter and was diagnosed with a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee. Mason also suffered a high ankle sprain in the game.

McCaffrey was playing in just his fourth game of the season after missing the first eight because of Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season, when he led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores.

Mason is the leading rusher for San Francisco (5-7) this season with 789 yards and three touchdowns on 153 carries. It was his third season in the league.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 12

If watching the Cleveland Browns upset the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday Night Football makes you think twice about betting on Sunday games — well, you don’t have to. If you don’t want to fall victim to the next upset, bet on one of the many NFL player props offered by online sportsbooks instead.

“Many” doesn’t really do the number of player props available for each game justice; there easily be a couple of hundred per game. But don’t worry about needing to review them all. All you need to do is take a look at our top 10 NFL player props for Week 12, listed in no particular order.

NFL Week 12: Player Props

Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders

Cooper Rush, O/U 201.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
O/U 33.5 pass attempts at -102/-128 (FanDuel)
O/U 18.5 completions at -130/+100 (DraftKings)

For most of the season, the Cowboys have insisted on trying to establish the run even though they must know it isn’t a strength. But they changed course in their Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans, and Cooper Rush threw 55 passes, of which 32 were caught for 354 yards.

It might seem hard to believe after the 13-for-23, 45-yard debacle in a 34-6 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Nov. 10, but Rush is not a bad quarterback. After all, he was 5-1 as a starter when called to fill in for Dak Prescott in the 2021 and ‘22 seasons.

Just as they did when they lost 34-10 to the Texans, the Cowboys will fall behind against the Commanders and will need to pass if they are going to try to catch up. So, the volume of attempts for Rush will be there again, as will the yardage against a lackluster Washington pass defense.

Don’t expect Rush to throw the ball 50-plus times again, but his attempts aren’t likely to fall in the mid-20s, either, as in the previous two starts. Opponents are averaging 27.1 attempts per game vs. Washington — but they are also running the ball 30.5 times per game.

Dallas will not run the ball 30 times; they average 21.5 carries per game this season. Take the OVER for Rush passing yards.

If you’re going to take the OVER on his passing yards and attempts, then it almost makes sense to take the OVER for his pass completions. Opponents are completing 65.8 percent of their passes vs. the Commanders. At that rate, to clear 19.5 completions, he’ll need to throw roughly 30 passes.

Yeah, take the OVER.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Giants

Mike Evans, O/U 50.5 receiving yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
O/U 3.5 receptions at -140/+105 (BetMGM)

Baker Mayfield fared well in the first couple of games with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans, but the dynamic duo suffered injuries in their Oct. 21 game against the Baltimore Ravens. Godwin is out for the season, but Evans is expected to return this week against the Giants.

If they are going to stay in the wild-card hunt, the Buccaneers will need to win this game after four consecutive losses. To that end, Mayfield probably will target his star wide receiver early and often. It would be surprising if he didn’t have four catches in the first half.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers

Christian McCaffrey, O/U 17.5 rushing attempts at +100/-130 (BetMGM)
O/U 108.5 rushing and receiving yards at -113/-115 (FanDuel)

Jordan Love, O/U 0.5 interceptions at -125/-105 (DraftKings)

With Brock Purdy out, the 49ers probably will lean on the run game. When you have the most dangerous offensive player in the NFL in your backfield — Christian McCaffrey — you should. He had 19 carries last week vs. Seattle. He’ll probably get a similar number this week, if not higher.

Without Purdy on the field and backup Brandon Allen in his place, it’s hard to know whether McCaffrey will be more productive for the passing game or the running game or equally proficient. But you typically can count on him being productive. He’s gone for 106 and 107 combined rushing and receiving yards, respectively, in the two games he’s played since his return from an injury that had sidelined him to start the season.

It would not be a stretch for him to get a few more yards and exceed a total of 108.5 rushing/receiving yards. Take the OVER.

Jordan Love has thrown at least one interception in every game he has played this season. The 49ers defense has 11 picks on the year. They’ll make it 12 — if not 13 or 14 — in this game. Take the OVER.

Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans

Tim Settle Jr. O/U .25 sacks at +105/-135 (DraftKings)
Joe Mixon, O/U 21.5 rushing attempts at -110/-120 (BetMGM)

The Houston defense is among the league leaders in sacks this season with 34. Tennessee’s quarterbacks are among the most sacked in the league. Danielle Hunter co-leads the team in sacks, making him a solid choice. However, the odds on his OVER are -176, while Tim Settle Jr. has plus money odds.

With the Titans having injury issues with the interior of the offensive line, a defensive tackle has a shot at breaking through and getting credit for at least half of a sack. Take the OVER.

The Texans have been at their best when Mixon is getting 20-plus carries; every time he has, he’s gone for 100-plus yards. It might be hard to gain 100 or more yards against the Titans’ defense, but Houston will make sure he gets his carries.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks off the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey off IR, slated to make season debut vs. Bucs

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and will make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

McCaffrey missed the first eight games due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

McCaffrey, 28, initially hurt his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 2.

But now he’s ready to go and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is ready to give him the ball.

McCaffrey was NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.

McCaffrey hasn’t played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25-22 in overtime in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.

The 49ers opened a roster spot for McCaffrey by waiving running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on Friday.

San Francisco also elevated safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. from the practice squad on Saturday.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches injured from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey questionable, will come off IR

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report and is expected to play in the team’s road game Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCaffrey has missed the entire season with tendinitis in both Achilles. He initially hurt his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 2.

But now he’s ready to go and 49ers coach Mike Shanahan said McCaffrey will be activated from IR on Saturday.

“We’ll take him off IR tomorrow, and then he’ll be good to go unless something crazy happens on this plane ride,” Shanahan told reporters on Friday. “He should be good to go tomorrow once he gets off IR.”

McCaffrey was NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.

McCaffrey hasn’t played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.

The 28-year-old has not been in high spirits while sitting out for the 49ers (4-4).

“It’s very tough being injured,” McCaffrey said. “It’s tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it’s just not how you planned it. It wasn’t expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I’m feeling great now, ready to go.”

Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa (hip) and receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/oblique) are also listed as questionable.

Shanahan admitted he thought Bosa would be further along.

“I am (concerned) to a degree,” Shanahan said. “He wasn’t able to do a lot. He definitely was extremely limited. Hoping he’ll be all right, but we’ll see on Sunday.”

Also questionable are offensive lineman Jon Feliciano (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (calf). Four 49ers were ruled out — receiver Chris Conley, defensive linemen Kevin Givens (groin) and Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Ward is away from the team after the unexpected death of his 1-year daughter.

–Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey practices, could play Sunday

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey practiced on Monday for the first time since September, opening a 21-day window to add the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year to the active roster.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said before the 49ers began their bye schedule last week the 49ers planned to have McCaffrey practice and could activate him for Week 10 at Tampa Bay.

The 49ers officially opened the practice window for McCaffrey and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who has been on injured reserve since the start of the season with a knee injury.

McCaffrey was idle at the start of training camp, did not participate in preseason and limited in practices before the first game of the regular season against the Jets due to Achilles soreness. He was surprisingly inactive Week 1, with the 49ers leaning on Jordan Mason as his primary replacement.

Discussing the topic of players returning to the field after injuries earlier this year, Shanahan said McCaffrey’s approach is the reason he likely won’t need much of a practice ramp up to be ready for game action.

“He’s obsessed with it,” Shanahan said, joking McCaffrey would be thinking about running routes while walking down the aisle at his own wedding.

“And so when you do get in these situations where you do get hurt and you can’t go do all that stuff, at least he’s put the work in before. So that stuff does come back fast. But he understands what it takes to play in this game, especially at the level he does. And not many people play at that level unless they are like that.”

McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage last season; a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns with 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. He had another 59 carries for 268 yards and four touchdowns plus a team-high 19 receptions for 152 yards in the playoffs.

McCaffrey last played in a game on February 11, the 49ers’ loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. McCaffrey had 22 caries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks on the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

49ers GM: Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) could return to practice Monday

The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to see star running back Christian McCaffrey on the practice field next week.

McCaffrey is on injured reserve and has missed the first eight games with Achilles issues in both legs. But 49ers general manager John Lynch told KNBR on Wednesday that the club plans to open McCaffrey’s 21-day practice window on Monday.

That would make it possible for McCaffrey, last season’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to return against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 10. San Francisco has a bye this weekend.

“The ideal scenario versus Tampa Bay is that he continues to — we keep using this terminology — but ramp up, which just means increase the volume of work that he’s doing,” Lynch said. “He’s been doing that, and he hasn’t had any setbacks. The hope is we take it up another notch this week. Provided that goes well, we’re kind of opening that window, allowing him to go back to practice. IR players can work to the side. They can’t get involved in practice. And so, Christian has been kind of on that plan.

“And now, hopefully, you increase the volume this week. You hope you have no setbacks. I’d expect it to kind of go that way. I pray that it goes that way because he’s done really well. He hasn’t had any of those (setbacks). And if so, then Monday, we hope to have him practicing with our team, and that’d be a really good deal for us. We all know he’s the reigning offensive player of the year. He’s a special game-changing player for us.”

McCaffrey rushed for a league-high 1,459 yards along with 14 touchdowns and had 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven scores in 2023.

Jordan Mason has done a solid job in place of McCaffrey with 685 yards and three touchdowns. However, Mason injured a shoulder during Sunday night’s 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo stepped up Sunday with 85 yards and one score on 14 carries. Overall, he has 227 yards and one touchdown.

San Francisco is just 4-4 as it enjoys its bye week.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches injured from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Niners GM says Christian McCaffrey ‘doing incredibly well’

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said star running back Christian McCaffrey continues to make progress but there is still no timeline for his season debut.

McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, is dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both legs and has been on injured reserve since Sept. 14.

“No new updates other than he’s doing incredibly well,” Lynch told KNBR on Friday morning. “It’s all about the ramp up, increasing the activity, making sure that there’s no setbacks. I could just tell people he’s on a good track with that. No timelines or anything, but he’s doing a little bit more — not each day. We kind of stagger it, work hard one day, kind of go into more of a (regeneration) day the next day.

“But when you can start to stack those and not have setbacks, that’s a good thing, and that’s kind of the direction he’s trending in.”

Earlier reports indicated that McCaffrey, 28, would not be ready to return until late November or early December.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards and 2,023 yards from scrimmage last season. He has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and two 100-catch campaigns in 91 games (84 starts) for the Carolina Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers.

In his absence, Jordan Mason leads the 49ers (3-3) and ranks second in the NFL with 609 rushing yards through six games (five starts).

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches from the sideline due to injury during the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Doctor expects 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey to miss ‘couple months’

Christian McCaffrey’s Achilles tendinitis has kept him on the sidelines to begin the 2024 NFL season, a blow to the San Francisco 49ers and fantasy football managers alike.

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year, who is currently on injured reserve, is likely to miss months, not weeks, according to a doctor specializing in the type of treatment McCaffrey recently sought in Germany.

Dr. Kenton Fibel, the Anaheim Ducks’ medical director with expertise in orthobiologics — non-surgical treatments such as platelet-rich plasma injections — told the San Francisco Chronicle that McCaffrey’s trip to Germany suggests he will need a few months to get back on the field.

“I think it more suggests this is an injury that they think they are going to need something more to augment his healing that may require weeks or a couple months rather than a week or two,” Fibel told the Chronicle.

McCaffrey needed to visit a specialist in Germany because orthobiologics are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration — though North American sports leagues have no rules against them.

“This may be something where you realize the pathology is a little bit more serious and reserve a way to allow him to return this season, even if it does take a month or two with him needing a longer recovery,” Fibel said.

McCaffrey, 28, was placed on injured reserve after missing the Niners’ season opener. He is required to miss a minimum of four games while on IR and will be eligible to return for the Week 6 game against the host Seattle Seahawks Oct. 10, though the Chronicle report suggests he won’t be ready to play until around Thanksgiving or early December.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro, McCaffrey led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards last season. He has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and two 100-catch campaigns in 91 games (84 starts) for the Carolina Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches injured from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out, could be headed to IR

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the host Minnesota Vikings and could be placed on injured reserve.

McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles and calf injuries that caused him to be a game-day scratch for Monday’s season opener against the New York Jets. The injury hasn’t calmed down this week and San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday was McCaffrey’s “worst day” dealing with the injury.

“(Injured reserve) is something we are considering now,” Shanahan told reporters on Friday. “Yesterday was his worst day. It’s on and off but with him having the worst pain yesterday, it’s something we are going to be discussing in the next 24 hours.”

McCaffrey practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday before sitting out Friday’s workout.

A move to the IR would require McCaffrey to miss four games before he returns. If done before the Minnesota game, McCaffrey would be eligible to return Oct. 10 against the Seattle Seahawks.

McCaffrey, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards last season. He has four 1,000-yard rushing seasons and two 100-catch campaigns in 91 games (84 starts) for the Carolina Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers.

Former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason will again be the main ball carrier against Minnesota. He had a career game with 147 yards on 28 carries against the Jets.

San Francisco listed safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) as doubtful and linebacker Dee Winters (ankle) as questionable.

–Field Level Media