Yesterday, we learned that star running back Christian McCaffrey was going to miss his second straight week of games dealing with a calf strain and Achilles tendonitis. McCaffrey missed most of training camp and all of the preseason, but was looking ready to go before the week one matchup versus the Jets before being a late scratch from the game. Now the Niners have placed McCaffrey on the IR, meaning he will be out for at least four weeks, with his earliest return time being October 10th in a matchup versus the Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.
ESPN sources: 49ers officially are placing All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve due to his calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey now will miss the next four games, at least, before the team assesses whether he can return in mid-October. pic.twitter.com/VV9GRihDrL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2024
After being ruled out yesterday, HC Kyle Shanahan said putting the All-Pro running back on the IR was a possibility. Now, a day later, the choice has been made to put McCaffrey out for at least a month. With no surgery needed for McCaffrey, he will take his time on the IR to rest and rehab, and hopefully, he will be ready to go for the second half of the season. Third-year undrafted running back Jordan Mason will take his place in his absence. Mason rushed for 147 yards on 28 attempts, a touchdown, and a catch for five yards in the Niners last matchup. Mason will have to carry the Niners rushing attack in McCaffrey's absence.
McCaffrey is a huge loss for the Niners as last year's Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year rushed for 1,459 yards, totaled 2,032 yards from scrimmage, and brought in 21 total touchdowns last season. His role in this Niners offense is invaluable, as the Niners have been a force since he joined the team in 2022. But, the Niners have failed to get over the hump losing in the NFC Championship game in 2022 and then the Super Bowl last season. They will need a fully healthy and ready-to-go McCaffrey if they want to get their first Super Bowl since 1995, so time on the IR might just be exactly what McCaffrey and the Niners need.
