As the San Francisco 49ers head into their bye week, the team finds itself at a crossroads. With a 4-4 record, the Niners are tied atop the lackluster NFC West, but they know they’ll need to elevate their play in the second half to secure a playoff berth and make a deep postseason run. The good news? Reinforcements are on the way, with All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and other key players set to return from injury. As the Nov. 1 trade deadline looms, the 49ers are optimistic that a healthy roster and potential additions could propel them to a strong finish.
McCaffrey’s Return a Game-Changer
There’s no denying the impact Christian McCaffrey has on the 49ers’ offense. The dynamic back missed the first eight games with Achilles tendonitis, but his recovery has progressed well, with coach Kyle Shanahan targeting a Week 10 return against the Buccaneers. McCaffrey’s versatility as a runner and receiver opens up the playbook and creates mismatches that make life easier for quarterback Brock Purdy and his pass-catchers. In 2022, the Niners went 10-1 following McCaffrey’s midseason arrival, proving just how valuable he is to the team’s success.
That guy (McCaffrey) will be back soon, so I’m pretty confident in that. Stay healthy, get those guys back. And really again, once we find our rhythm… our offense can just score more points, convert on third down, we’ll win more football games.
49ers tight end George Kittle
Injury Reinforcements on the Way
McCaffrey isn’t the only 49er expected back in the fold soon. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip), kicker Jake Moody (ankle), linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles), and safety Talanoa Hufanga (wrist) are all on track to return in the coming weeks. Their presence should provide a boost on both sides of the ball, particularly Jennings and Hufanga, who were playing at a Pro Bowl level before going down.
Trade Deadline Possibilities
Under the leadership of GM John Lynch and coach Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers have been one of the NFL’s most aggressive teams at the trade deadline. San Francisco has made a deal in six of the past seven years, landing difference-makers like McCaffrey, Emmanuel Sanders, and others. The defensive line figures to be a top priority this year, with injuries hitting the unit hard, particularly at defensive tackle. A wide receiver move can’t be ruled out either after losing Brandon Aiyuk to a torn ACL. As Lynch noted, the 49ers will explore all avenues to improve the roster.
We try to look into everything regardless. But it has to do with what options are out there with stuff that we can pull off that doesn’t totally hurt us, that helps us now and doesn’t hurt us for the future.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on the team’s trade deadline approach
Reasons for Optimism
Despite the 49ers’ up-and-down first half, there are plenty of reasons to believe a second-half surge is possible:
- The NFC West remains wide open, with no team pulling away
- McCaffrey and other injured starters are close to returning
- The defense, led by Nick Bosa, is still one of the NFL’s most talented
- Deebo Samuel and George Kittle are capable of taking over games
- Kyle Shanahan’s play-calling can be a cheat code when in rhythm
The pieces are in place for the 49ers to make a run. It will come down to getting healthy, shoring up a few weaknesses, and delivering more consistent play down the stretch. If San Francisco can accomplish those things, challenging for the NFC West crown and making playoff noise is well within reach. The next nine games will tell the tale.
