The San Francisco 49ers have ruled out Christian McCaffrey for their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings — but he may be out much longer.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters on Friday that McCaffrey won’t play on Sunday, but had some even worse news. Shanahan said the 49ers are now considering placing McCaffrey on injured reserve, saying Thursday was his “worst day” with his calf/Achilles injury. That would keep him out for at least the next four games.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 11: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball to score a touchdown during Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. McCaffrey won’t play in Week 2.
Ryan Kang/Getty Images
This is a drastic turn of events for McCaffrey and the 49ers. McCaffrey suffered a calf strain at the beginning of training camp and was forced to sit out the entire preseason. There seemed to be optimism that McCaffrey would return for Week 1, but a little more than an hour before Monday night’s regular-season opener, McCaffrey was ruled out.
This week, Shanahan seemed pessimistic about a McCaffrey return in Week 2. Now, he could be out even longer.
If the 49ers place McCaffrey on IR, he won’t be eligible to return until Week 6 at the earliest. The 49ers’ next four games are against the Minnesota Vikings, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, and Arizona Cardinals. Then, their Week 6 matchup is a Thursday night game against the Seattle Seahawks. If McCaffrey isn’t able to return by then, his next opportunity would be on Oct. 20 in a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The 49ers haven’t placed McCaffrey on IR yet, though. They’re likely to continue working on their superstar running back, hoping to find a way to get him back sooner rather than later.
McCaffrey is the focal point of the 49ers’ offense and arguably the best offensive skill position player in the league. McCaffrey is coming off a 2023 season in which he had 339 total touches for 2,023 yards and 21 touchdowns. He made the Pro Bowl, was named First-Team All-Pro, and won the Offensive Player of the Year award.
Fantasy Football Impact of Christian McCaffrey Injury
With McCaffrey out in Week 2, Jordan Mason will continue to be the lead back in San Francisco. Mason had an incredible first-career start on Monday, rushing 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown.
If McCaffrey ends up going on IR, Mason will be an RB1 for the foreseeable future.
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