It’s been difficult for the McCaffreys. While husband Christian’s 49ers received a humiliating (38-10) defeat at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, back home, wife Olivia Culpo is also dealing with her set of health issues. However, not to worry as she also has a friend who’s made sure to keep her some good ‘ol company!

The 2012 Miss Universe, on November 23, shared an adorable story with the star of her household, Oliver Sprinkles. The toy Goldendoodle was seen sprawling on her mama’s lap, with the caption reading, “Been so sick this last week and doesn’t feel like I’m getting any better. She also thanked her loyal companion, writing, “So grateful for my loyal companion I don’t know what I would do without him.” She also ended the post with a “friendly reminder” that is sure to help you as winter approaches!

“Consider this a friendly reminder-Don’t forget vitamin C and hand sanitizer etc.. this is the worst respiratory virus I’ve ever had!!” the disclaimer read. By now, you must have understood that little Oliver holds a special place in the McCaffrey-Culpo household—he was also the ring-bearer in his parents’ wedding! The McCaffrey couple, who have been together since 2019, are often seen sharing their passion for rescue animals. Olivia rescued a dog named Mario earlier this year from a kill shelter in Los Angeles and added him to her “wolf pack.” And there’s more.

During their engagement, the two found a turtle during a morning walk. And they decided to adopt the little creature. Talk about paws-itively loving animals! They named him Charles. But with McCaffrey away, the illness has made things difficult for Olivia. Speaking of illnesses, the model was also diagnosed with rectovaginal endometriosis (a reproductive condition and the most severe form of endometriosis where uterine tissue grows outside of the uterus, causing cramping and chronic pain) and even required surgery in 2020 after years of experiencing symptoms.

“I had Endometrioma right on my ovaries,” the 32-year-old had revealed in March this year on S.H.E. MD‘s podcast. Heartbreakingly, she revealed being dismissed by at least 12 doctors before receiving an official diagnosis.“‘Are you sure that you’re really having these symptoms? Painful periods are normal. No, I can’t give you an ultrasound right now. Let’s just put you on birth control,” Culpo recalled doctors telling her.

“There were people that were trying to rob me for my money, and then there were people that just simply thought I was overreacting. I remember I felt like I was going to die, I was in so much pain. You’re hot, you’re hormonal, you’re sensitive, you’re in excruciating pain, and then someone’s going to tell you you’re overreacting or lying, just making you feel insane.” But the good news is she’s managing her symptoms well since undergoing surgery.

Having said that, her husband has also come face-to-face with some trouble as the 49ers have found themselves in a tough spot this season. They took a heartbreaking loss to the Green Bay Packers, the second-most lopsided loss of HC Kyle Shanahan’s tenure. Add to that, the star running back’s form, which is not really helping their cause. He could only manage 31 yards on 11 carries against the Packers. With San Francisco’s playoff dreams dwindling at 5-6, the humiliating loss exposes deeper issues in the 49ers roster.

Christian McCaffrey’s struggles highlight deeper issues in the 49ers’ loss

McCaffrey has just looked out of touch. His biggest play in the form of a 23-yard gain was followed by a costly fumble, adding to the list of costly missteps. His return from bilateral Achilles tendinitis was supposed to give the offense a boost. Instead, his 3.7 yards per carry record has raised questions about the recovery.

The play calls often become repetitive and predictable with McCaffrey in the backfield. With the 49ers’ offense seeming to stall, this led to suggestions about whether the team should reconsider the role of McCaffrey. People like Grant Cohn argued that the 49ers need to redistribute carries to backups like Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo. “The 49ers thought Christian McCaffrey would fix all their problems. Instead, he made them worse,” Cohn posted.

Mason in particular has shown more explosive production this season, averaging 5.1 yards per carry. And has accomplished a league-best 609 rushing yards on 114 carries with three rushing scores. Pretty impressive beginning, don’t you think? The idea of shifting some responsibility away from McCaffrey might just inject new life into the running game and bring more balance to the offense.

Ultimately, CMC’s struggles in this loss highlight the delicate balance the 49ers must strike. Reducing his role and focusing on his recovery could be the way forward. With CMC’s injury lingering, an alternative plan is the need of the hour. And coach Shanahan must comply.