Given San Francisco’s extensive injury history this season, the back issue that popped up for McCaffrey likely set off some alarm bells among fans.
While key offensive players such as Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have all been absent at different times of the year, McCaffrey has been a fixture and kept the Niners moving toward a potential playoff berth despite everything that was missing.
He has caught a league-high 322 touches for San Francisco, turning workhorse usage into 849 rushing yards, 806 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. He is both the team’s leading rusher and receiver by a wide margin.
Fortunately, he is expected to remain in the lineup on Sunday.
If McCaffrey’s back gives him some trouble during the game — or even if it’s all systems go — the 49ers could still presumably play it smart with their star running back. He entered Week 15 as the only player in the NFL with 300 or more touchdowns, averaging 24.8 per game.
The Niners are in contention right now, currently in playoff position with an outside shot (10%) to win the NFC West. While it would be unwise to take the 2-11 Tennessee Titans lightly, it’s also important that McCaffrey stays upright for the upcoming games against the Colts, Bears and Seahawks, as well as a hopeful postseason run.
If McCaffrey takes a few fewer snaps, Brian Robinson will be the first to step in.
San Francisco and Tennessee kick off at 4:25 PM ET on Sunday.