McCaffrey could return for a TNF showdown against the Seattle Seahawks

If you’re a San Francisco 49ers fan or one of the many who drafted Christian McCaffrey with the No. 1 pick in fantasy football, here’s some bad news. The 49ers are placing McCaffrey on injured reserve as he continues to recover from a calf injury and Achilles tendonitis, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday. McCaffrey will miss at least the next four games.Last season, McCaffrey won the Offensive Player of the Year award after leading or tying for the league lead in scrimmage touchdowns (21), touches (339), yards from scrimmage (2,032), and rushing yards (1,459).

Christian McCaffrey’s potential was evident even during his college days, as he holds the NCAA record for the most all-purpose yards in a season (3,864). In 27 regular-season games in the NFL with the 49ers, McCaffrey has been a workhorse, putting up video game-like numbers. He’s racked up 2,205 rushing yards (81.7 per game), 31 total touchdowns, and over 3,200 total yards. Additionally, McCaffrey scored a touchdown in last season’s Super Bowl and set the record for the most consecutive games with a touchdown (17), dating back to the 2022 season.

Jordan Mason Steps In as RB1

In McCaffrey’s absence, Jordan Mason will take over as the 49ers’ primary running back. Mason stepped into the role and shined, racking up 152 yards and a touchdown on 29 touches in the win against the New York Jets. It was a standout prime-time performance that gives hope the 49ers can manage without their most dynamic weapon. However, it’s clear that no one can fully replace the versatility McCaffrey brings to the field. Fortunately, the 49ers still have a loaded offense, with Trent Williams, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk helping to make Brock Purdy’s job easier this season.

49ers’ Upcoming Games Without McCaffrey

Now that McCaffrey is on injured reserve, he will miss at least four games. During this stretch, the 49ers will face the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams on the road and host the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. With two divisional matchups in that stretch, the Rams and Cardinals will be eager to take advantage of McCaffrey’s absence to complicate the 49ers’ playoff push. Tomorrow’s game against the Vikings will be particularly challenging for the 49ers, considering Minnesota’s quarterback, Sam Darnold, spent last season with the Niners and knows the team well from countless practice sessions.