Report: 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (calf) to sit out season finale

Field Level Media|published: Mon 1st January, 18:22 2024

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) carries the ball as Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half at FedExField. credits: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

With the San Francisco 49ers having clinched the NFC's top seed, star running back Christian McCaffrey won't play in this Sunday's regular-season finale because of a calf injury as he targets a return in the playoffs, per an ESPN report.

McCaffrey, who has 21 touchdowns and leads the NFL with 2,023 all-purpose yards (1,459 rushing, 564 receiving) this season, was injured in the second half of Sunday's 27-10 win over the host Washington Commanders.

McCaffrey, 27, ran for 64 yards on 14 carries while catching four passes for 27 yards for San Francisco (12-4), which hosts the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.

Elijah Mitchell replaced McCaffrey and finished with 80 yards on 14 carries with a touchdown. Mitchell would likely be the 49ers' starting running back this weekend if McCaffrey does sit out.

In seven seasons since the Carolina Panthers chose him with the eighth pick of the 2017 draft, McCaffrey has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns, along with 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 touchdowns with the Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).

—Field Level Media