San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is officially inactive tonight for the team’s season debut against the New York Jets with a calf injury.
McCaffrey is viewed as one of, if not the, best running back in the NFL and his absence will change the game plan for both teams.
McCaffrey’s absence will give Jordan Mason the heavy workload from the 49ers backfield.
Mason has been the backup running back in San Francisco for the last two season after the team signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
McCaffrey was listed as questionable by the 49ers heading into the matchup and signs pointed to him suiting up, even if limited.
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is inactive tonight versus the Jets
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The 49ers begin their season on Monday Night Football in a marquee matchup, with Aaron Rodgers on the opposite sideline.
This is Rodgers first game back on the gridiron since tearing his Achilles four offensive snaps into his Jets career as part of the first Monday game a year ago.
Before Monday night, McCaffrey was confident he would play and said his injury was ‘not a concern’.
It does not appear McCaffrey will be out long-term if he was a game-time decision by San Francisco.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter said with a shorter week, McCaffrey has a ‘real chance’ of missing Sunday’s game against the Vikings, also with discomfort in his Achilles.
McCaffrey was acquired by the 49ers in 2022 after spending the first several years of his career with the Carolina Panthers.
