The San Francisco 49ers are going to be without reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey for at least the next month.
The San Francisco 49ers are going to be without reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey for at least the next month.
San Francisco placed McCaffrey on short-term injured reserve immediately ahead of its Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings.
McCaffrey had missed the opener with a calf and Achilles‘ injury. The 49ers are playing the long game with their star running back. It makes sense given both his importance moving forward and the tricky nature of Achilles‘ injuries.
The good news here is that former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason performed well in McCaffrey’s stead as San Francisco blew out the New York Jets in its season opener. He tallied 147 rushing yards on 28 attempts in the blowout.
Though, there is also some bad news on this front. Depth is a concern for the 49ers. Veteran journeyman Patrick Taylor Jr and rookie fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo are the only other running backs currently on San Francisco’s 53-man roster. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is also on the 49ers‘ practice squad.
Interestingly enough, general manager John Lynch and Co. did not make an immediate decision Saturday as it relates to a replacement for McCaffrey on the 49ers‘ 53-man roster.
