When a major player on any sports team goes down due to injury (or illness), his presence is truly missed.
For instance, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey has not played yet for the defending NFC champions.
McCaffrey is still healing from Achilles injuries that has kept him out of action to date. Last year's Offensive Player of Year was also the league's leading rusher.
The Niners have been able to utilize third-year running back Jordan Mason in McCaffrey's stead. While no one may truly replace or make up for the productivity McCaffrey provides, Mason has done a more than adequate job.
However, the five-time Super Bowl champions are hoping for McCaffrey's return here soon. Other members of the 49ers have been missed, too, though.
Here are a few to mention and why.
1. WR Jauan Jennings
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings, the four-year veteran, has been out due to a hip injury. He was a major contributor in the Super Bowl last year against the Kansas City Chiefs but nevertheless missed the Week 7 matchup against KC because of said injury.
This year, he was (and still is) on pace to have his best year ever. With 25 receptions, 404 yards and three touchdowns, Jennings is on pace to hit career highs,
Despite losing in Week 3 against the rival Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Brock Purdy connected with Jennings 11 times on 12 targets. Jennings recorded 175 yards receiving and racked up a trio of touchdowns in the game. In the next game against the New England Patriots, Jennings collected 88 yards on three receptions. Purdy has shown early on this season that he trusts this particular receiver.
Jennings' presence is missed as the offense would certainly benefit from him playing again as soon as possible. The wideout would give another capable target downfield and help take some of the load off tight end George Kittle, especially in light of star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's season-ending knee injury.
Kittle has a team-high 34 catches which is nine more than Jennings. However, the injured wideout, Jennings, is the only player on the roster to collect more than 400 receiving yards.