49ers Running Back Options After Christian McCaffrey Injury News

4 days ago

Forbes

The San Francisco 49ers could add a running back after the Christian McCaffrey injury news (AP ... [+] Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

The San Francisco 49ers are going to be without reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey for at least the next month.

San Francisco placed McCaffrey on short-term injured reserve immediately ahead of its Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

McCaffrey had missed the opener with a calf and Achilles' injury. The 49ers are playing the long game with their star running back. It makes sense given both his importance moving forward and the tricky nature of Achilles' injuries.

The good news here is that former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason performed well in McCaffrey's stead as San Francisco blew out the New York Jets in its season opener. He tallied 147 rushing yards on 28 attempts in the blowout.

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Though, there is also some bad news on this front. Depth is a concern for the 49ers. Veteran journeyman Patrick Taylor Jr and rookie fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo are the only other running backs currently on San Francisco's 53-man roster. Ke'Shawn Vaughn is also on the 49ers' practice squad.

Interestingly enough, general manager John Lynch and Co. did not make an immediate decision Saturday as it relates to a replacement for McCaffrey on the 49ers' 53-man roster.

Does this mean something could be in the cards as it relates to an external option? It seems so.

Who Might San Francisco 49ers Target To Replace Christian McCaffrey?

It must be noted that McCaffrey is required to miss at least the next four games. There is a decent chance that he could be sidelined through San Francisco's Week 9 bye.

With that in mind, let's look at four potential options to replace him on a short-term basis.

Dalvin Cook

Could the San Francisco 49ers bring in Dalvin Cook? (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Associated Press

This four-time Pro Bowler is currently on the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad. Per NFL rules, he could opt to sign with the 49ers’ active roster if they offer him a contract. He could also decide to remain on the practice squad in Dallas.

From 2019-23 with Minnesota, Cook averaged north of 1,600 total yards and 12 touchdowns. He fell on hard times last season in stints with the New York Jets and Baltimore Ravens, tallying a mere 214 rushing yards while averaging 3.2 yards per rush.

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Matt Breida

Breida played for the 49ers from 2017-19. The former undrafted free agent tallied 1,902 rushing yards at a clip of 5.0 yards per tote. Unfortunately, injuries also defined his tenure in the Bay Area.

Since then, Breida has spent time with the Miami Dolhins, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants. He did not have the same success as that three-year run in San Francisco. Breida, 29, was signed to the 49ers’ practice squad this summer. But found himself released ahead of Week 1. There is certainly some familiarity here.

Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt is an option for the San Francisco 49ers (AP Photo/Ron Schwane)

One of the biggest names remaining on the NFL free agent market, Hunt could be a solid short-term option for San Francisco. The former Pro Bowler averaged a mere 3.0 yards per rush with the Cleveland Browns last season.

With that said, he has a track record of success. As recently as 2021 in Cleveland, he averaged nearly five yards per rush. A move of this ilk would simply be to add Hunt to the practice squad for insurance.

Jeff Wilson

Pure conjecture. But a trade with the Miami Dolphins could make sense for both sides. Miami is likely going to be in the market for a quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills. San Francisco has a veteran in Joshua Dobbs as its third-string signal caller.

As for Wilson, he played with the 49ers from 2018 to midway through the 2022 season. The former undrafted free agent was traded immediately after San Francisco acquired Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. during his time with the 49ers, Wilson averaged 4.9 yards per touch and scored 19 touchdowns.