On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers suffered more than just their first loss of the season.
Niners running back Christian McCaffrey exited their 19-17 upset loss to the Cleveland Browns in the second half with an oblique injury.
The star runner’s injury happened in the third quarter, but it wasn’t decided until early in the fourth quarter that they were ruled out. At this point, San Francisco was leading with a score of 17-13.
McCaffrey was initially marked as questionable late in the third quarter when the 49ers were trailing 13-10. However, the All-Pro quickly reentered the game, though his return was brief.
CMC joined Deebo Samuel on the sidelines. The receiver was ruled out earlier in the game with a shoulder injury. Samuel played just eight snaps.
Following the loss, Niners coach Kyle Shanahan expressed that the team was still uncertain about the severity of the injuries of either player. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Samuel’s X-rays came back negative, as reported on Sunday from a source. The receiver is scheduled for additional tests on Monday.
McCaffrey managed to accumulate 52 yards from 14 touches in 30 snaps, contributing to San Francisco’s initial score of the game with a 13-yard touchdown catch-and-run. This touchdown allowed him to match the NFL record for the most consecutive games with a scrimmage TD, standing at 15 games.
Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason split carries for San Francisco (5-1) in McCaffrey’s absence, with the latter scoring a go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
McCaffrey and Samuel will have a longer time than usual to heal up. The 49ers’ Week 7 game against the Minnesota Vikings isn’t until next Monday night.
