Christian McCaffrey may end up carrying a bigger share of San Francisco’s offense on Sunday, but not necessarily in the most obvious way.
With wide receiver Mike Evans officially out against the Atlanta Falcons after leaving Monday night’s game against the Washington Commanders late in the first half, the 49ers are heading into Week 7 with another hole to patch. General manager John Lynch left a little room for doubt on Thursday, but Friday brought the expected update: Evans will not play. With a bye week coming in Weekl 8, sitting him is the sensible call.
That doesn’t make the challenge any easier. Atlanta sits at 2-4, but the Falcons are hardly a team San Francisco can cruise past, especially with Bijan Robinson looming as a dangerous weapon. The 49ers also know they need a cleaner answer on offense than the one they found after Evans exited Monday night, when they struggled to score in the second half against Washington.
McCaffrey is the name most likely to absorb some of that pressure, though his role may tilt more toward the passing game than extra handoffs. Reporter Vic Tafur of The Athletic relayed McCaffrey’s response when asked about lining up in the slot again this week: “Christian McCaffrey was asked if he might line up more at the slot again this week, with all the WR injuries: ‘I don't know.
I usually don't get the gameplan until Sunday morning. We'll see.’
And then he couldn't help a small smile as he looked away.”
That kind of usage would give San Francisco a practical way to cover for Evans’ absence. McCaffrey’s value has always been the full package - a back who can take 15 carries and still catch five or six passes - and a slot role would lean into that versatility.
The 49ers have been more mindful with his workload this season, and Kyle Shanahan has managed his touches well. But with so many offensive pieces sidelined, Sunday could be a chance to push him a little harder.
San Francisco’s likely top three receivers are Brandin Cooks, Christian Kirk, and Jordan Watkins, which puts even more weight on George Kittle and McCaffrey to keep the offense moving. If McCaffrey does spend more time as a de facto slot receiver, it would give the 49ers another way to make up for Evans’ absence while trying to stay undefeated this season.
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