The San Francisco 49ers’ 35-10 Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills was costly in more ways than one. Not only did it make San Francisco’s playoff push more difficult due to their last-place finish in the NFC West, but it also depleted their running back depth, with Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve and likely out for the rest of the season, and Jordan Mason, the team’s leading rusher, also on injured reserve.
“I just feel for [McCaffrey],” said 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan. “It was a very frustrating year for him.” He worked his [expletive] off to get back here, and I believe he was really feeling fantastic and about to take off. Read more here:
“He just suffered an unlucky injury last night. I know he’s as devastated as anyone, but he’ll get through it. He’s a hell of a player, a hell of a person, and an amazing 49er. And he’ll come back stronger than ever next year to assist us.”
The 49ers are slated to start rookie Isaac Guerendo against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, with Patrick Taylor Jr. elevated from the practice squad.
San Francisco also made some additions this week, claiming former New York Jets fifth-round pick Israel Abanikanda on waivers and signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers third-round pick Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Last season, the Jets kept Abanikanda over Michael Carter, who was released in November and signed with the Arizona Cardinals the following day.
Abanikanda rushed for 70 yards on 22 attempts as a rookie. Vaughn played four seasons for the Bucs, rushing for 384 yards and two touchdowns on 102 rushes and adding 14 receptions for 81 yards and another touchdown. He is more valuable as a receiver out of the backfield, but Abanikanda is a superior pure runner.
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