In a surprising turn of events, star running back Christian McCaffrey found himself sidelined in Week 1 due to a calf injury and Achilles tendonitis, marking his first absence in San Francisco due to injury. The absence of the dynamic playmaker raised eyebrows across the league, with many fans and analysts wondering how the 49ers would fare without their star running back on the field.
Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation on Tuesday, revealing that while McCaffrey could have played if it were a playoff game, the team was being cautious about exacerbating the Achilles issue. “Definitely, I believe if it was a playoff game, he would’ve played,” Shanahan said in an interview with the team’s official transcript. “But it’s not just the calf, it’s the Achilles and the Achilles is tendonitis and that stuff comes and goes. When it is acting up, it’s something you’ve got to be very careful about.”
The hesitation surrounding McCaffrey’s Achilles issue has led to speculation that he may sit out another week. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Good Morning Football that it seems unlikely for CMC to take the field against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, adding even more uncertainty to the situation.
A key factor in determining McCaffrey’s status is the impressive performance of former undrafted running back Jordan Mason in Week 1. Mason delivered a standout performance with a career-high 28 carries, 147 rush yards, and a rushing touchdown on Monday night. His stellar showing earned him a spot in San Francisco’s record books, becoming the fourth player in the last decade to achieve 140+ rush yards and 1+ rush TD in a single game. Notably, three of these players accomplished the feat in Week 1 of the season, including McCaffrey himself back in 2023.
As the 49ers navigate McCaffrey’s injury and weigh their options for the upcoming game, all eyes will be on how the team handles the situation and whether Mason can continue to shine in the absence of the star running back. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the week progresses.