The 49ers enter Sunday's game with concern as Christian McCaffrey pops up on the injury report for Week 15.
Most of the San Francisco 49ers are entering Sunday’s matchup against the Tennessee Titans healthy and refreshed after the bye week.
However, uncertainty now surrounds the availability of one of the team’s most indispensable stars. Less than 24 hours before kickoff, a concerning injury update has cast doubt on whether running back Christian McCaffrey will take the field in Week 15.
Durability has often been a talking point throughout McCaffrey’s career, making his perfect attendance this season somewhat surprising.
Given his history, the All-Pro running back wasn’t necessarily expected to make it through the year without a setback.
The former NFL Offensive Player of the Year missed 13 games last season alone and has been sidelined for nearly 40 games over his nine-year career due to various injuries.
On Saturday, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that McCaffrey was a late addition to the injury report with a back issue, listing him as questionable for Sunday’s game.
The timing of the update immediately raised red flags for a 49ers offense built around his versatility and heavy workload.
McCaffrey’s week had appeared routine until then.
He sat out Wednesday’s practice for a veteran rest day, was limited Thursday while dealing with an illness, and returned to full participation on Friday.
Initially, he carried no injury designation, making the Saturday update all the more unexpected.
Through 13 games, McCaffrey has once again been the engine of San Francisco’s offense.
He leads the team in rushing with 849 yards and eight touchdowns, while also pacing the 49ers in receiving with 85 catches on 107 targets for 806 yards and five scores.
His 322 total touches lead the NFL, and he remains on pace to surpass 1,000 yards both rushing and receiving, a feat he has accomplished before.
If McCaffrey is unable to suit up, the 49ers would likely turn to Brian Robinson Jr. to lead the backfield.
Acquired in an offseason trade with the Washington Commanders, Robinson has produced modestly in a complementary role, totaling 328 rushing yards and two touchdowns, along with seven receptions for 19 yards.
San Francisco can still lean on a rested roster and home-field advantage, but the potential absence of McCaffrey would be a significant storyline as the 49ers host the Titans.
His status will be one of the most closely monitored developments leading into Sunday’s kickoff.