The San Francisco 49ers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey this week as they take on the Vikings on the road. This will be McCaffrey's second game out, as he missed the season opener with a calf strain and Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey didn't feel right during Thursday's practice, dealing with the "most pain," according to HC Kyle Shanahan. With McCaffrey now out in week two, the Niners have discussed putting the star on the IR, but if they do, he will be out for at least four games. If the Niners put McCaffrey on the IR before Sunday's game, he can return on October 10th against the Seahawks; otherwise, they will have to wait another week. Currently, McCaffrey doesn't need any procedure or surgery, so we will have to see what the Niners decide.
49ers ruled out RB Christian McCaffrey for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings due to his calf injury and Achilles tendonitis. pic.twitter.com/qAcOOolime
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2024
Despite all of this, McCaffrey has been adamant about himself playing, especially before the Jets game. McCaffrey explains that even when he is dealing with an injury, he makes sure that he is mentally ready to play the game, even if, like in the Jets case or the Vikings case, that doesn't seem to happen. "My mindset every week is I'm going to play," McCaffrey said Wednesday. "There's been weeks where I'll go the full week, not even feeling good enough to do the walk-through, and then I wake up, and the body's capable of a lot of cool things. Mentally, I'm always prepared to play, and then I woke up, and it was a group decision, a very tough one."
Kyle Shanahan says the team is considering putting Christian McCaffrey on IR. CMC is dealing with a calf injury and Achilles tendonitis. pic.twitter.com/5pG2F1LkH6
— Kirsten Moran-Kellar (@kirstenlizmoran) September 13, 2024
Although McCaffrey's absence was noticed on the field Monday night, third-year backup Jordan Mason had a breakout performance, tallying 147 yards on the ground on 28 attempts and a touchdown. Rushing the ball at an all-time high since Shanahan took over in 2017, it is clear that Mason can continue the role of workhorse back while McCaffrey deals with his injuries. Along with the plethora of receiving weapons the Niners have, including Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, and George Kittle, McCaffrey will be missed, but the other guys should be able to manage in his absence.
Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out Sunday against the Vikings
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 13, 2024
The 49ers are also considering placing McCaffrey on IR with yesterday being his "worst day" with his injury pic.twitter.com/KFw8GHi2Sf
McCaffrey did sign a two-year $38 million extension with the Niners in June, making him the highest-paid running back in the league. The extension, plus the remaining money left on his previous deal, will give the all-purpose back $62.2 million over the next four years. McCaffrey played 16 games last season, totaling 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns. With his best season since 2019, it is clear to see why the Niners paid him the big bucks. But, if the Niners want to capture their first Super Bowl since 1995, they will need 22 back on the field and 100% healthy. So, the caution from Shanahan and the Niners makes sense. With the big decision of putting McCaffrey on the IR or not coming soon, it will be interesting to see what the Niners decide to do.
