49ers Face Major Setback After Crushing Loss and Key Injury—What’s Next for the Team?

The San Francisco 49ers are facing a dire situation following back-to-back blowout losses and a critical injury to star running back Christian McCaffrey, further dimming their playoff hopes. Once considered Super Bowl contenders, the 49ers (5-7) have seen their season take a dramatic downturn, reaching what many feel is rock bottom after a 35-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night. McCaffrey was forced to leave the game early due to a knee injury, and reports indicate he will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season.

This loss followed a crushing 38-10 defeat at Green Bay the previous week, marking the first time since 2015, and the fourth time in franchise history, that the 49ers have suffered back-to-back losses by at least 24 points. Now sitting at the bottom of the NFC West, two games behind division leader Seattle, the 49ers are rapidly running out of opportunities to salvage their season and secure a playoff berth.

Tight end George Kittle remains hopeful, stating, “We only have so many opportunities left, but we’re technically not out of the playoffs. While it feels dark and gloomy and absolutely depressing… But technically, we can still win out, and I do have the faith that we can do that, I really do.” The Niners have managed late-season runs in recent years, reaching the NFC Championship in 2021 and 2022, and making it to the Super Bowl in 2020. However, the injury-plagued team this season seems far from capable of matching that success.

Struggles on Both Sides of the Ball

San Francisco’s defense has struggled to contain opposing offenses, especially in recent games. In the loss to Buffalo, the defense allowed touchdowns on all four of the Bills’ red-zone trips, including a lateral play that saw Josh Allen credited with both a passing and receiving touchdown. Overall, the 49ers’ red-zone defense ranks among the worst in the league, allowing touchdowns on 70.7% of opponent red-zone drives.

The offense, too, has not been its usual high-powered self. Although the 49ers ran the ball well against Buffalo, finishing with 153 rushing yards on 27 carries for a 5.7-yard average, the injury to McCaffrey and another to running back Jordan Mason (who also sprained his ankle) leaves San Francisco with few proven options at running back going forward.

What’s Working

There have been some positives for the 49ers, notably the offensive line and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. With left tackle Trent Williams sidelined the past two games, offensive lineman Jaylon Moore has stepped up, allowing only one pressure and helping create running lanes for the backs. However, the 49ers will need more consistency from their offensive line to remain competitive.

Deebo Samuel has had his share of struggles, particularly in the last three games, where he totaled just 62 yards from scrimmage. In the loss to Buffalo, he caught four passes for a mere 20 yards. This marks the first time in his career that Samuel has been held to fewer than 25 yards from scrimmage in three consecutive games. With key players sidelined, including McCaffrey, Samuel must step up and make more of an impact for the offense to stay afloat.

Injury Woes

In addition to McCaffrey’s knee injury, the 49ers have been hit hard by injuries across the roster. Running back Jordan Mason’s sprained ankle will send him to injured reserve, and defensive lineman Kevin Givens was also lost for the season due to a pectoral injury.

Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and tackle Trent Williams (ankle) are also being closely monitored, with both missing the last two games. Meanwhile, offensive linemen Aaron Banks and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott remain in concussion protocol. Cornerback Deommodore Lenoir (knee) is expected to return to practice soon, and safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) will begin practicing again this week.