NFL insider reveals how Christian McCaffrey’s return to 49ers will have LeBron-like impact
San Francisco 49ers fans will finally get to see Christian McCaffrey playing for them in the 2024 season. The superstar running back was a surprise inactive in Week 1 due to an Achilles problem, but he has not played since the start of the year. However, he has returned to the active roster and is set to play in Week 10.
The 49ers have been struggling in 2024 when compared to the expectations. They sit with a 4-4 record and are in third place inside the NFC West. But the return of their prized star could see they unlock a new gear on offense, according to Jordan Schultz:
Well, when you're playing against LeBron James, for example, and the NBA, your entire game plan shifts to LeBron because you have to take account of him on every single play. So even when McCaffrey doesn't have the football, this offense is going to be a lot better. You're going to see a big production increase from Kittle, Deebo Samuel, and then, Brock Purdy has come back down to earth the last few weeks, but this is going to be a domino effect for an offense in the red zone. He's not going to solve all their problems, and they've had some injuries, but McCaffrey gives Kyle Shanahan that magnetizable weapon that he hasn't had.
The NFC West has the Arizona Cardinals (5-4), the Los Angeles Rams (4-4), the San Francisco 49ers (4-4) and the Seattle Seahawks (4-5) locked in a tight battle. The 49ers are currently 1-2 inside the division.
In his absence, Jordan Mason has been the lead back for the 49ers, putting up 685 rushing yards and three touchdowns, with a respectable 5.1 yards-per-carry average. Mason is an undrafted running back out of the 2023 draft.
Christian McCaffrey's 2023 stats
McCaffrey was a superstar the previous season, with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns along with 564 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
He was named to the Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro, and finished third in the MVP voting while winning the Offensive Player of the Year award.