Christian McCaffrey, in an emotional post on social media, promised he would be back on the field and that he would come back “better” from what has been an injury-plagued 2024.
The 49ers superstar made the statement in a lengthy caption on his Instagram feed after the team put him on injured reserve earlier this week, the second time he’s been on IR this year.
McCaffrey suffered a sprained PCL during the 49ers loss to the Bills during “Sunday Night Football” in a snow-covered Buffalo, and his season is now likely over.
“Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word,” the running back wrote. “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 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.
“This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. 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.”
If McCaffrey’s season is truly over, then 2024 will go down as a lost season for the two-time All-Pro, who didn’t make his season debut until Week 10 after getting injured (calf strain) during training camp.
McCaffrey tallied just 202 rushing yards, with his longest run being for 19 yards, after winning AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.
However, there is some hope that McCaffrey could make it back onto the field if the 49ers make it to the postseason.
“Yeah, I believe so,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said to reporters on Wednesday when the idea was broached.
McCaffrey is expected to be out at least six weeks with only five remaining in the regular season.