While the San Francisco 49ers benefitted from an impressive outing from running back Jordan Mason during their season opener against the New York Jets, reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey will remain their primary backfield option.
However, his availability for the succeeding games is questionable after Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles tendinitis. In a recent press conference, Shanahan confirmed that McCaffrey described the injury’s varying nature. It’s a recurring nature that returns after it goes away.
According to sports medicine expert Dr. Jesse Morse, his calf issues will linger to varying degrees throughout the season. Morse added that dealing with an inflamed tendon should allow him to return during the season. However, with the severity of McCaffrey’s condition uncertain, it could take months before he gets fully healed.
Christian McCaffrey / CMC
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) September 10, 2024
This is likely acute tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) on top of chronic tendinopathy (wear & tear of tendon).
He’s likely dealing with the acute phase now, and it will calm down but this + calf issue is likely going to wax and wane as the… https://t.co/VVob33BD9k
The Niners will closely monitor McCaffrey’s situation as they gear for their Week 2 game versus the Minnesota Vikings. Mason will likely get the starting nod again if the 49ers declare the All-Pro running back unfit to play.
Speaking of which, the 49ers might be on the hot seat after Mason revealed that he learned about his starting role against the Jets on Friday, September 6. Despite that knowledge, San Francisco revealed that McCaffrey was inactive only 90 minutes before the game.
Missing several games will dampen McCaffrey’s fantasy football output. He was universally regarded as one of the top picks for fantasy this season after completing 2,023 yards from scrimmage (1,459 rushing) and 21 touchdowns.
-Lance Fernandez