Christian McCaffrey has yet to play a game in the 2024 season even though many across the fantasy football landscape drafted him with the No. 1 overall pick in their drafts. It's been a completely frustrating year as far as injuries have been concerned, but it's fair to wonder how different CMC's ADP might have looked had his injury been disclosed as an Achilles and not a calf injury during training camp.
As the leaves turn and the chill sets in, the fantasy football world continues to reel from the seismic shake-up in San Francisco. The 49ers' dynamo in the backfield, has been sidelined with an Achilles injury since before the season even kicked off, tossing countless fantasy lineups into a blender of despair and confusion.
It’s been a rough ride for managers who banked on McCaffrey's elite production to anchor their squads, as they've had to pivot faster than a quarterback dodging a sack. So, when should we expect CMC to be back in NFL action on Sundays?
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Christian McCaffrey Fantasy Football Injury Update
Heading into Week 8, the whispers from the Bay Area are starting to carry a hint of optimism, maybe even a dash of hope. McCaffrey’s recovery has been a closely guarded saga, filled with more ups and downs than a rookie's heart rate in their first start. Each practice report has been parsed and analyzed like a cryptic text from an ex: does 'limited participant' mean he's almost back, or just there in spirit?
Kyle Shanahan gave several injury updates from the 49ers' loss to the Chiefs as well as updates on players with existing injuries, including running back Christian McCaffrey. https://t.co/00Rd4Ysere
— NBC Bay Area (@nbcbayarea) October 22, 2024
Christian McCaffrey Fantasy Football Injury Impact
Backup running back Jordan Mason has been a solid fill-in for CMC and if you handcuffed with him, your fantasy season was likely saved. Nonetheless, we know what kind of cheat code CMC can be for fantasy and the hope is that he will return to the gridiron relatively soon.
I’ve said it for several weeks now.
Once Christian McCaffrey comes back, he’s getting his goal line role back immediately. There’s a reason SF has thrown more at the goal line lately.Week 10. https://t.co/fgNMGKlsQx
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) October 22, 2024
For those who’ve stashed McCaffrey on their benches, holding their breath each week and resisting the siren call of tempting trade offers, this could be the moment of truth. The 49ers are hinting that their star could see the field soon, potentially reigniting the high-octane offense that fantasy owners fell in love with.
But as Week 8 approaches, the question remains: will McCaffrey glide back onto the field like the fantasy hero of yore, or will this saga add another chapter of heartbreak? Hopefully, it sounds like when the 49ers return from their bye in Week 10 is when we will have our answer.
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