Christian McCaffrey bounces back from illness scare, primed to dominate the Titans’ fragile run defense as playoff hopes hang by a thread.QQ
The San Francisco 49ers received reassuring news late in the week as they prepare for their Week 15 matchup against the Tennessee Titans: Christian McCaffrey will remain in the lineup despite briefly appearing on the injury report earlier in the week. After missing practice due to illness, the star running back returned as a full participant on Friday, effectively easing concerns about his availability. According to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group, McCaffrey is expected to suit up on Sunday.
The brief scare marked one of the few health-related concerns for McCaffrey during the 2025 season. After a frustrating and injury-plagued 2024 campaign in which he appeared in only four games, the 29-year-old has been remarkably durable this year. Through 14 weeks, McCaffrey has yet to miss a game in 2025, reestablishing himself as the centerpiece of the 49ers’ offense and a stabilizing presence for a team with championship aspirations.
As the regular season enters its final month, McCaffrey continues to chase another milestone. He is just 151 rushing yards shy of reaching 1,000 yards for the fifth time in his career, with four games remaining on the schedule. Achieving that mark would further solidify his legacy as one of the league’s most versatile and productive running backs, particularly impressive given the inefficiencies he has battled on the ground this season.
San Francisco has historically taken a cautious approach with its star players late in the year, especially when postseason positioning is within reach. However, the team’s confidence in McCaffrey’s health suggests that his workload will not be significantly restricted in Week 15. While the coaching staff is prepared to monitor his snaps, there is no indication that he will be limited beyond normal game planning.
That said, the 49ers do have contingency options in place. Brian Robinson Jr. has been effective in a complementary role and has topped 40 rushing yards in three of the team’s last five games. His presence allows San Francisco to manage McCaffrey’s touches if necessary, ensuring the offense remains balanced while keeping its star back fresh for the stretch run.
From a matchup standpoint, McCaffrey could not ask for a better opportunity to regain momentum on the ground. The Titans have struggled against the run throughout the season, ranking among the league’s weaker units in that area. Tennessee enters Week 15 allowing 4.5 yards per carry, the 11th-highest mark in the NFL, and has had difficulty consistently controlling opposing running games. That vulnerability plays directly into San Francisco’s offensive strengths, particularly with McCaffrey’s vision and ability to exploit second-level defenders.
Although McCaffrey’s rushing efficiency has been below his career norms in 2025, his production has trended upward in recent weeks. After a relatively slow start to the season by his lofty standards, he delivered his first breakout performance in Week 7 against the Atlanta Falcons, rushing for 129 yards. Since then, he has recorded at least 80 rushing yards in four of the 49ers’ last seven games, indicating improved rhythm and comfort within the offense.
Still, the raw numbers reveal an unusual statistical profile for McCaffrey. Entering Week 15, he is averaging just 3.6 yards per carry—a career-low figure. Various factors have contributed to that inefficiency, including offensive line injuries, defensive adjustments, and a heavier reliance on McCaffrey in short-yardage and goal-line situations. While those touches are valuable, they naturally depress per-carry averages.
Despite the struggles on the ground, McCaffrey’s impact has hardly diminished. If anything, his value as a receiver has increased. He remains one of the most dangerous pass-catching running backs in the league, and his production through the air has been exceptional. With 806 receiving yards already this season, McCaffrey has posted the third-highest receiving total of his career and his best mark since his historic 2019 campaign.
That receiving prowess has allowed the 49ers to maintain offensive flexibility, especially when rushing lanes have been limited. McCaffrey’s ability to line up in the slot, run precise routes, and create mismatches against linebackers and safeties has been critical in sustaining drives and keeping defenses off balance. Even in games where his rushing output has been modest, he has consistently influenced outcomes through the passing game.
Looking ahead to the Titans matchup, San Francisco is well-positioned to leverage McCaffrey’s full skill set. Tennessee’s defense has shown vulnerabilities not only against the run but also in coverage against versatile backs. That combination could allow the 49ers to deploy McCaffrey creatively, using motion, screens, and angle routes to exploit mismatches and maintain offensive rhythm.
For McCaffrey, Week 15 represents more than just another regular-season game. It’s an opportunity to continue building momentum, inch closer to personal milestones, and help solidify San Francisco’s postseason positioning. With his health trending in the right direction and a favorable matchup ahead, expectations remain high.
While the illness that briefly sidelined him earlier in the week raised momentary concern, McCaffrey’s return to full practice suggests it will have little to no impact on his performance. The 49ers’ confidence in his availability underscores how vital he remains to their plans—not just for this week, but for the playoff push beyond.
As the regular season winds down, San Francisco will continue to balance caution with competitiveness. In Week 15, however, all signs point to Christian McCaffrey being ready to lead the charge once again, giving the 49ers a dynamic advantage as they take on the Titans.
