San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was a (very) late scratch for the team’s Week 1 Monday Night Football matchup against the New York Jets due to what is now being reported as Achilles tendinitis.
McCaffrey’s official availability for Week 2 remains uncertain.
However, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McCaffrey’s chances of playing this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings are slim.
“Christian McCaffrey is a long shot to play this week,” Rapoport reported, based on information from sources close to the situation.
“The 49ers all thought [he] was going to shake off some tightness that he felt late in the week of practice… He worked out pregame [against the Jets] and it was just not quite right.”
Rapoport shared additional details, suggesting the Achilles tendinitis may be related to a previous calf issue, which had been more prominently discussed.
Despite the concerns, there appears to be no long-term panic regarding McCaffrey’s health, with the team exercising caution to preserve him for the full season.
“This is all about keeping him healthy for the length of the season,” Rapoport explained.
In McCaffrey’s absence during the 49ers’ opener, Jordan Mason took over rushing duties, delivering an ultra-impressive performance with 147 yards on 28 carries, including a touchdown and eight first downs.
Mason also contributed with a five-yard reception.
Unfortunately, Mason also got himself and head coach Kyle Shanahan in a bit of hot water following the game…
The 49ers, perennial contenders, have reached the NFC Championship or further in four of the last five seasons but are still searching for their first Super Bowl victory in this stretch.
Knowing how important McCaffrey is in the big picture of San Francisco’s quest for a Lombardi Trophy, Shanahan and the team will most likely take a cautious approach with his injury.
Having said that, just how concerned should 49ers fans (and fantasy owners) be about McCaffrey’s lingering injury?
Regardless, do you think this is the year the Niners finally break through and win the Super Bowl???