With October drawing to a close, the San Francisco 49ers continue to miss their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, who has been sidelined all season due to an Achilles injury. Initially deemed a minor setback, the injury worsened, leading McCaffrey to seek treatment in Germany in September. Now, as the 49ers prepare to host the Dallas Cowboys on “Sunday Night Football,” it’s confirmed that the Cowboys won’t be facing the MVP-caliber talent this week.
Since McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve, Jordan Mason has stepped up as the 49ers’ primary running back, helping carry the offense for the 3-4 team. Mason’s performance has shown promise, and he will be a central figure in the upcoming game against the 3-3 Cowboys. Coach Kyle Shanahan recently stated he’d be “surprised” if McCaffrey returned this week, and the team has now officially announced McCaffrey will remain out. The 49ers are hopeful for his return in November, possibly for their Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For the Cowboys, who have suffered three consecutive losses to the 49ers over the past three seasons, McCaffrey’s absence could be an advantage. Dallas is coming off a bye week, eager to recover from a humbling 47-9 defeat in their last game. They see the 49ers’ current injury troubles as an opportunity to turn their season around and capitalize on any break they can find. Although the Cowboys don’t wish injuries upon any player, they recognize that McCaffrey’s absence could improve their chances of a much-needed victory.
The 49ers, however, face more than just the emotional toll of losing key games; they are also contending with a series of offensive injuries. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk is out for the season, and other critical players like Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are battling their own health issues. Both teams, struggling with setbacks, could use a spark to reignite their momentum as they push toward the season’s midpoint. For the Cowboys, that break could come from McCaffrey sitting out once again this week, giving Dallas the chance to gain some ground.