"NFL Injuries and Coaching Turmoil - A Season in Flux"

Injuries in the NFC West

The 49ers, already without Trent Williams, Nick Bosa, and Deommodore Lenoir, saw Christian McCaffrey leave their Sunday night loss to Buffalo early with a non-contact injury that didn't look good. He didn't return, and now there's a fear that his season, which was already shortened due to Achilles tendonitis in both legs, may be over. All of the 49ers' key skill players on offense have missed time on the injured list this season, in addition to All-Pro tackle Trent Williams and key stars on defense. San Francisco now needs a minor miracle to sneak into the playoffs at 5-7 and 1-3 in the NFC West.

Christian McCaffrey suffered a PCL injury that likely ends his season. He checked himself out of the team's Sunday Night Football loss to the Bills with seven rushes for 53 yards in the early going. On Monday, the 49ers put McCaffrey back on IR, and with five games left in the season, it's likely we've seen the last of the running back this year.

Injuries in Jacksonville

The Jaguars are bracing for more news about franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who took an ugly, illegal hit on Sunday and was carted off the field. Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit. Lawrence, in the first year of a five-year, $275 million extension, didn't return to the game after displaying the fencing response on the field. After the game, he posted on social media that he was feeling better and resting at home. With the Jags going nowhere fast this season and Doug Pederson's job possibly in jeopardy, it'll be worth monitoring if the Jaguars are cautious with Lawrence as the season winds down.

Other Injuries and Coaching Updates

In Chicago, cornerback Jaylon Johnson confirmed that he confronted Matt Eberflus after the Thanksgiving loss to the Lions. Johnson interrupted Eberflus' postgame talk and used "colorful language." The next day, Eberflus was fired.

Just four weeks after returning to the field, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is out again with a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury and will be placed on injured reserve. Jordan Mason, who took over as RB1, is also going on IR after suffering a high ankle sprain.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh said wide receiver Ladd McConkey is "working through a couple things" after he suffered a knee injury in Sunday's win. His status for practice this week and Week 14 against the Chiefs is unclear.

The Los Angeles Rams claimed cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. off waivers from the Washington Commanders. Forbes, a first-round draft pick in 2023, fell out of the starting lineup.

The Giants placed their defensive line anchor Dexter Lawrence on season-ending injured reserve after he suffered a dislocated left elbow in Thursday's loss to the Cowboys. Rookie tight end Theo Johnson also ended his season with a foot injury.

Taysom Hill is out for the year after suffering a knee injury and being carted off the field in Sunday's loss to the Rams. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Hill has a torn ACL and "additional damage."

Baker Mayfield's status is up in the air as Todd Bowles says he has a sore leg. He thinks Mayfield will be comfortable by Sunday's game but isn't sure about his practice status this week.

#Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich told reporters that QB Aaron Rodgers will continue to start for the team, giving them the best chance to win.

Azeez Al-Shaair apologized for the hit on Trevor Lawrence. He said he "genuinely didn't see (Lawrence) sliding until it was too late." Lawrence left the field on a cart but later tweeted that he was home and "feeling better."

The Bills' highlight of the week was Josh Allen throwing and catching his own touchdown in the snowy Sunday Night Football game.

Geno Smith celebrated the Seahawks' win over the Jets. Led by Smith, the Seahawks pulled off a fantastic 26-21 comeback win, securing the Jets' ninth-straight losing season.