After missing the first nine weeks of the 2024 NFL slate due to injuries, Christian McCaffrey made his highly-anticipated return to the field in Week 9 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Since returning to the field, McCaffrey has recorded 149 yards on the ground on 43 attempts for 3.5 yards per attempt. In the 49ers’ ugly loss against the Green Bay Packers, McCaffrey notched only 31 yards on 11 attempts. His uncharacteristically quiet performance against the Packers included a fumble at the end of a long catch and run.
In a recent piece of tracking data from Next Gen Stats shared by Benjamin Solak of ESPN, showed the reigning Offensive Player of the Year has yet to hit the top speed in 2024 from his worst game from last season. The data shows McCaffrey’s top speed has declined since returning from injury.
Via @BenjaminSolak on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/BenjaminSolak/status/1861573877895250372
Playing a role in McCaffrey’s slow start since returning could be the 49ers struggles when it comes to run blocking. According to Pro Football Focus, the 49ers have recorded under a 70-run blocking grade in each of the last three games.
With a 5-6 schedule and the 9-2 Buffalo Bills up next on the schedule, the 49ers will need to continue to lean on McCaffrey for the chance of going on a run down the final stretch of the season.
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