The San Francisco 49ers are 1-0 after their season-opening win over the New York Jets, but they will enter Week 2 with a significant loss.
Running back Christian McCaffrey, who was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year last season, was placed on injured list McCaffrey is dealing with calf and Achilles injuries and will miss at least the next four games, meaning he won’t be able to return until the 49ers travel to Seattle to play the Seahawks on Oct. 10.
He was a last-minute scratch in Week 1 after being listed as doubtful. McCaffrey reaggravated the injury in practice Thursday, leading to Saturday’s decision.
He will now sit out Sunday’s road game against the Minnesota Vikings, Week 3 against the Los Angeles Rams and Week 4 home games against the New England Patriots and Week 5 home games against the Arizona Cardinals.
Last season, McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns in 16 games. He also caught 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.
Despite appearing in 33 of 34 games over the past two seasons with the Carolina Panthers and 49ers, McCaffrey is no stranger to the injured list. He only appeared in 10 games in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. due to multiple injuriesincluding a high ankle sprain and hamstring strain.
In the meantime, the 49ers will be counting on Jordan Mason. Mason, an undrafted free agent in 2020, ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries against the Jets.
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