McCaffrey dealing with potential season-ending knee injury after SNF

The San Francisco 49ers can't catch a break.

Running back Christian McCaffrey left Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the second quarter with a knee injury. He was officially ruled out after halftime.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said postgame that McCaffrey is dealing with a PCL injury that could end his season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

McCaffrey missed this season's first eight games after dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs. He went down against the Bills on a non-contact play. The star tailback spent time in the medical tent before walking to the locker room.

McCaffrey fell on his right knee on the previous play.

McCaffrey left the 49ers' locker room Sunday with crutches and a brace on his right knee, notes David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard.

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year previously missed time at training camp with a calf injury. He was then placed on injured reserve in September with an Achilles injury designation.

The 28-year-old didn't make his 2024 season debut until Nov. 10. He had 56 touches and 281 scrimmage yards in three games this year prior to the matchup against the Bills. McCaffrey had a hot start versus Buffalo, carrying the ball seven times for 53 yards and catching two passes for 14 yards before exiting the contest.

Injuries have been a big issue for McCaffrey throughout his standout NFL career. The 2017 No. 8 pick played 10 games combined in 2020 and 2021 as a member of the Carolina Panthers.

The 49ers will again turn to Jordan Mason with McCaffrey sidelined. Mason entered Sunday night with 711 yards (5.1 per carry) and three touchdowns on the ground in 2024 after being San Francisco's No. 1 running back during McCaffrey's IR stint.

Injuries have forced several other 49ers starters to miss at least one game this season, including quarterback Brock Purdy, left tackle Trent Williams, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, tight end George Kittle, and defensive end Nick Bosa, among others. Aiyuk is out for the remainder of the 2024 campaign due to a torn ACL.