The 49ers found a surprising source in a desperate situation.
San Francisco picked up running back Israel Abanikanda off waivers from the Jets after numerous injuries in the backfield.
In the team’s trade announcement, the 49ers said they have placed Christian McCaffrey back on injured reserve after suffering a PCL sprain in Sunday night’s loss to the Bills.
McCaffrey is expected to miss approximately six weeks, so the injury will likely end his regular season.
To make matters worse, McCaffrey’s backup, Jordan Mason, suffered a high ankle sprain, and coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that Mason is also expected to be placed on IR. That means he will have to miss at least four games.
The dual injuries, along with Elijah Mitchell on IR (hamstring) since August, leave Isaac Guerendo as the only healthy running back on the 49ers’ active roster.
Abanikanda, a 2023 fifth-round pick out of Pittsburgh, appeared in six regular season games for the Jets last season.
The Brooklyn native rushed for 70 yards on 22 attempts along with seven receptions for 43 yards.
Abanikanda, 22, has not played in any of the Jets’ 12 games this year and was waived by the team on Monday.
The 49ers came into this season with championship aspirations after falling short to the Chiefs in a thrilling Super Bowl 2024.
But with injuries piling up at key positions across the field, the 49ers now sit at 5-7. Powered by NFL.com There is only an 8% chance of making the postseason.
San Francisco hopes to keep its slim hopes alive in the NFC by hosting the Bears on Sunday.
