Given San Francisco’s extensive injury history this season, a back issue popping up for McCaffrey likely raised some alarm bells among fans.
While key offense players such as Brock Purdy, George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall have all been absent at different points of the year, McCaffrey has remained as a constant, keeping the Niners moving toward a potential playoff berth despite all the missing pieces.
He’s logged a league-leading 322 touches for San Francisco, turning workhorse usage into 849 rushing yards, 806 receiving yards and 13 total touchdowns. He’s both the team’s leading rusher and receiver by a wide margin.
Thankfully, he’s expected to remain in the fold Sunday.
If McCaffrey’s back gives him any trouble during the game — or even if all systems are a 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 touches, currently averaging 24.8 per game.
The Niners are in the stretch run now, in playoff position with an outside shot (10%) at winning the NFC West. While it’d be unwise to take the 2-11 Tennessee Titans lightly, it’s also important McCaffrey remains upright for upcoming games against the Colts, Bears and Seahawks, plus a hopeful postseason run.
Should McCaffrey take a few less snaps, Brian Robinson will be first up to step in.
San Francisco and Tennessee kick off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.
