The San Francisco 49ers have won four of their last five games and are sitting in a good spot in the NFC playoff picture.
Most of the team is well-rested coming off the bye week, however, the status of one of San Francisco’s biggest stars is now in doubt following a concerning injury update that came out a little more than 24 hours before the team’s Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
The 49ers have been one of, if not the most injury-plagued teams in the NFL this season.
San Francisco lost superstar pass-rusher Nick Bosa and star linebacker Fred Warner to season-ending injuries early in the season, and a host of others have been in and out of the lineup all year.
The team’s injury list for Week 14 lists linebackers Tatum Bethune and Nick Martin, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, defensive tackle Sam Okuayinonu, and quarterback Kurtis Rourke as out.
And now there’s been a late addition that has 49ers fans concerned.
Christian McCaffrey Dealing With Injured Back
GettySan Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey was added to the injury report on Saturday
Of all the 49ers players to not miss a game this season, running back Christian McCaffrey was a likely bet to not be one of them given his injury history.
The former Offensive Player of the Year missed 13 games last season with a series of injuries, and he’s been sidelined nearly 40 games during his nine-year NFL career because of injuries.
On Saturday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that McCaffrey was a late addition to the injury report, leaving questions surrounding whether or not he would play Sunday against Tennessee.
“49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (back) has been added to the injury report and is questionable for tomorrow’s game versus the Titans,” Pelissero reported on Saturday.
Through 13 games, McCaffrey has a team-leading 849 yards rushing with 8 touchdowns. He’s also logged 85 catches on 107 targets for 806 yards and 5 more scores — all team highs.
If McCaffrey can’t go, Brian Robinson Jr. would get the start in his place. The 26-year-old tailback was acquired in an offseason trade with the Washington Commanders. He’s totaled 328 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on the ground, and 7 catches for 19 yards through the air.
49ers Make Decision on WR Brandon Aiyuk’s Future
While McCaffrey’s status is up in the air, the 49ers made a final decision on former All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
The 27-year-old wideout has been sidelined ever since Week 7 of the 2024 season after suffering ACL and MCL tears against the Kansas City Chiefs.
There had been multiple reports about turbulence in the team’s relationship with Aiyuk, and The Athletic’s Mike Silver reported weeks ago that San Francisco had voided Aiyuk’s future guaranteed money as part of the four-year, $120 million deal he signed two offseasons ago.
The 49ers placed Kittle on the reserve/left team list on Saturday, ending his season and effectively ending his time with the team.
“At this point, it doesn’t seem like he’s coming back,” tight end George Kittle said, via ESPN. “I try my best to not even think about it because I love Brandon. He’s one of my favorite teammates I’ve played with.
“We have a lot of moments together from his rookie year, every year we’ve played together. That’s the Brandon I remember. So, if I think about the ‘I wish he’d be here,’ it kind of just makes me sad.”
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