In a resounding 35-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills, the San Francisco 49ers suffered a significant setback beyond the scoreboard. Star running back Christian McCaffrey exited the game with a knee injury, raising concerns about his availability for the remainder of the season.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that McCaffrey is believed to have sustained a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury, potentially sidelining him for the rest of the year. While a PCL injury typically requires a few weeks of recovery, Shanahan acknowledged uncertainty about the specific timeline.

McCaffrey's presence was immediately felt in the snowy conditions at Highmark Stadium. Before the injury, he accumulated 53 rushing yards on seven carries and added 14 receiving yards on two catches. His early exit dealt a heavy blow to the 49ers' offensive strategy, particularly given the challenging weather.

Quarterback Brock Purdy lamented the loss of McCaffrey, emphasizing the running back's crucial role in the team's offensive scheme. Purdy's own performance was hampered by the weather, managing just 94 passing yards on 18 attempts.

Shanahan indicated that the injury occurred when McCaffrey was tackled after an 18-yard run in the second quarter. The coach expressed frustration, noting McCaffrey's strong preparation and promising start to the game.

This injury adds to McCaffrey's already challenging season, having missed the initial eight games due to Achilles tendinitis. In his four appearances this year, he has recorded 202 rushing yards and 146 receiving yards on 15 catches, but has yet to find the end zone.