The 49ers just got a lot more dangerous. They acquired star running back Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers on Thursday night, pending a physical.
San Francisco sent four draft picks back Carolina’s way, but none are first-rounders. The Niners don’t own their first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft; they traded it to the Dolphins in the deal for the No. 3 overall pick in 2021, which turned into Trey Lance.
CHRISTIAN McCAFFREY TRADED TO 49ERS:
Trade details: SF sends picks to Carolina
Why did the Panthers trade McCaffrey?
Trade grades: Niners strike gold
Niners aren’t taking a big financial gamble
Who’s the next man up in the Panthers’ backfield?
The move gives Jimmy Garoppolo one of the best dual-threat running backs in the league. McCaffrey is a dynamic playmaker with the ball in his hands. The 49ers haven’t had a true No. 1 running back in a few seasons; a healthy McCaffrey gives them an elite one.
The first opportunity for McCaffrey to don the red and gold will be Sunday when the 49ers host the Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium. It will take a lot of quick learning for McCaffrey to be on the field and ready for snaps by Sunday, but it is possible.
Here is the latest news on McCaffrey’s status for Sunday’s game:
Will Christian McCaffrey play this week?
It’s not known at this point whether McCaffrey will suit up for the 49ers on Sunday, or if he does, how many snaps he’ll get. But the running back will do everything he can to be on the field in Santa Clara against the Chiefs.
It would be a quick turnaround: the trade was agreed to late Thursday night. But McCaffrey reportedly has already been in contact with coach Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers’ front office and is expected to be in California on Friday.
New #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, who has already spoken to coach Kyle Shanahan and team brass, travels tomorrow to his new home. If he plays Sunday, which he likely will do, expect a red zone package. Then he’ll ramp up from there.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2022
If McCaffrey doesn’t play or has a limited playbook, then Jeff Wilson Jr. should leading the Niners’ backfield again. He has been filling in for the injured Elijah Mitchell. Deebo Samuel and Tevin Coleman could also see touches in the run game.
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