Jordan Mason and rookie Isaac Guerendo have stepped up admirably in his absence. Mason has averaged an impressive 5.1 yards per carry, marking the heaviest workload of his career so far. Guerendo has contributed with a 6.1-yard average per carry, aided by multiple explosive runs.
One benefit of McCaffrey's time on the sidelines has been the valuable in-game experience for both young backs.
"JP Mason has been a guy, when you make an NFL team as an undrafted free agent, we cut a third-round pick at one point to keep him, so I think that speaks to you about him always being up to the task," general manager John Lynch said Friday morning on Bay Area radio station KNBR.
"And JP kind of grinded through in this league as a backup player who closed out games, but was a really good special teams player. He got an [opportunity] when Christian has been hurt, and he's really had a fantastic season. He's of the mindset that he'll be ready whenever we give it to him."
The 49ers selected Guerendo, who ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, in the fourth round of this year's draft, adding speed to their running back group.
"Isaac obviously has some special talent," Lynch shared. "We just don't draft workout warriors. We draft really good football players. But he happens to be a workout warrior, one of those testing anomalies that's just so gifted, explosive, and you can see it translate on the field. And it seems to be getting a little bit better each week."
Even with McCaffrey's return, the 49ers don't plan to sideline these two promising young backs after their strong showings this season.
"So obviously, you still want to get those guys involved," Lynch continued. "They can both help on special teams, they can both help on offense. You'll still see plenty of those guys."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers injury news: Kyle Shanahan shares updates on Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa missed his fifth consecutive practice Tuesday, this time sitting out a joint session with the Tennessee Titans. Running back Christian McCaffrey has missed two straight practices, leading some fans to grow concerned about the status... -
49ers coach explains Christian McCaffrey's absence, shares positive news on other RBs
There was some concern when running back Christian McCaffrey did not participate in Monday's San Francisco 49ers training camp practice. However, the team quickly informed reporters that the veteran running back was dealing with some "tightness," which didn't sound overly... -
49ers injury updates: Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey miss practice
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was noticeably absent from Monday's training camp practice. It is the fourth consecutive full practice he has missed while dealing with soreness. Even before being sidelined, Bosa had been limited in practice and held out of team... -
Mike Evans suited up for 49ers' joint practice with Titans; No McCaffrey or Bosa
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans had been sidelined with a quad strain. However, he is suited up and will participate in Tuesday's joint practice with the Tennessee Titans, suggesting he has recovered from the injury. #49ers WR Mike Evans is in uniform and warming...