How long will Christian McCaffrey be out? Latest updates on the 49ers star’s PCL injury timeline and return date

The 49ers’ tough battle in the NFC got tougher on Sunday as superstar running back Christian McCaffrey suffered another injury setback.

After missing the first eight games of the season, McCaffrey made his debut in San Francisco’s Week 10 win over Tampa Bay. Three weeks later, McCaffrey appeared to be back to his All-Pro form during a snowy “Sunday Night Football” game before a knee injury ended his night in the second quarter.

Given McCaffrey’s importance to the franchise, there are major concerns about his recent injury and what it will mean for his future. Here’s everything you need to know about McCaffrey’s injury, including reports on the severity and expected time out.

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What is Christian McCaffrey’s injury?

According to 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury.

McCaffrey suffered the injury early in the second quarter of the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Bills on Sunday night. After delivering an 18-yard run, McCaffrey took two playoffs and checked back in. On 1st-and-10, McCaffrey took a pitch to the right side but immediately looked away and hobbled into a slide to end the play.

Things weren’t looking good for 49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey. #NFL #SNF pic.twitter.com/OZa3z6F9ck

– Awful Announcement (@awfulanncreasing) December 2, 2024

The details of McCaffrey’s PCL injury were not disclosed because further testing is required to determine the specific injury. The posterior cruciate ligament is the posterior cruciate ligament that runs along the back of the knee.

PCL injuries vary in severity, ranging from sprains to complete tears.

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How long will Christian McCaffrey be out?

There are fears McCaffrey’s injury could be season-ending. While multiple reports indicate that McCaffrey will be out for the year, the 49ers have yet to provide an official update on his status.

The amount of time McCaffrey will miss will depend on the severity of his PCL injury. He was x-rayed during Sunday night’s game but is expected to undergo further tests on Monday.

San Francisco has five games left on its schedule and needs to make up ground in the standings to qualify for the playoffs.

MORE: Updated NFC West playoff picture with five games remaining

PCL recovery time

PCL recovery time varies depending on the severity of the injury. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a minor injury could heal within a few days. Should McCaffrey undergo surgery, he could be out between six and nine months. In the latter scenario, McCaffrey would miss the remainder of the 2024 NFL season.

49ers 2024 schedule

San Francisco enters Week 14 with a record of 5-7. The 49ers return to the Bay for two games at home, which includes a quick turnaround. They face the Bears on Sunday before returning to the field for “Thursday Night Football” in Week 15.

Here are their final five games of the regular season: