The 49ers stunned the NFL world on Monday when they announced that RB Christian McCaffrey would not be playing that same evening against the New York Jets.
Despite the fact that McCaffrey missed all of training camp with a “calf injury” there had been no indication that he wouldn’t be playing for the 49ers in the season opener.
But as game time drew closer on Monday, the announcement was made that Christian McCaffery would not be playing Monday night against the New York Jets.
“Just the same stuff that was bothering him all week. There was a little too much today, a game-time decision,“ said Shanahan. “He came in, just talking to him about it, it was still there. Thought it was going to be smart to keep him out, and glad we did.”
Shanahan noted that McCaffery likely would have played through injury if it were a playoff game but because it is Week 1 they decided to go with second year running back Jordan Mason as the starter.
The 49ers also found themselves in a little hot water after a post-game interview Jordan Mason said he knew he would be starting last Friday, despite the announcement coming just 90 minutes before the game on Monday.
The league found no evidence of wrong-doing.
Then on Tuesday a report came out that Run CMC was also experiencing achilles tendinitis, an injury that can take 2-4 weeks to recover from. Possibly longer. Despite hope that McCaffery would play after missing Week 1, the 49ers announced that he would not be playing in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings.
The 49ers seem ready to go with RB Jordan Mason as starter again if Christian McCaffrey will miss extended time. Mason raised some eyebrows last seasons averaging over 5 yards per carry in limited role after backup Elijah Mitchell went down with injury.
Jordan Mason had his best game as a pro while filling in for Christian McCaffrey in Week 1 against the New York Jets, running for 2 TDs and 148 yards on 28 carries.
It appears the best thing for Christian McCaffery and the 49ers to do is rest. This injury can linger on if pressure is applied to it and there is a possibility this could be a factor all season long.
