NFL

49ers RB Depth Chart: Will Christian McCaffrey Play In Week 2?

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Dan Girolamo
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Dan Girolamo Sports Editor

Dan is a multifaceted content creator who specializes in sports, pop culture, and entertainment. His entertainment work has been featured on Digital Trends, where he has interviewed Brendan Fraser, Jamie Lee Curtis, Alison Brie, Adam DeVine, Sadie Sink, Chris O'Dowd, Machine Gun Kelly, and Frank Grillo. Dan's entertainment work has also been featured on Coming Soon, Hidden Remote, and WatchMojo. Dan's other passion in life revolves around sports, graduating from Marist College with a degree in Sports Communication and Journalism. From columns about the latest in New York sports to gambling predictions, Dan continues to find success in written and broadcast journalism. Previous written work can be found at Unafraid Show, while broadcast clips can be seen on WAVE.tv and CBS Sports.

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Published10 Sep 2024

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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23).

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is currently sidelined with calf and Achilles injuries. Will McCaffrey play in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings?

Will Christian McCaffrey Play In Week 2?

McCaffrey was a shocking scratch from the lineup before Monday night’s 32-19 victory over the New York Jets.

On Tuesday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey is suffering from Achilles tendinitis (via Grant Cohn).

“Just the same stuff that was bothering him all week,” Kyle Shanahan said on ruling McCaffrey inactive (via SI). “There was a little too much today, game-time decision. He came in, just talking to him about it, it was still there. Thought it was going to be smart to keep him out and glad we did.”

McCaffrey suffered the calf and Achilles injuries on August 6. McCaffrey sat out the entire preseason.

Had this been a playoff game, Shanahan believes McCaffrey would have suited up and played. Since Monday night’s game was Week 1 of 17, the team decided to rest their All-Pro running back.

Shanahan said they will monitor McCaffrey’s injuries all week leading up to the 49ers’ Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. As of Tuesday, it’s unknown if McCaffrey will play in Week 2.

49ers RB Depth Chart

No McCaffrey? No problem.

With McCaffrey out in Week 1, the 49ers turned to third-year veteran Jordan Mason, who excelled as the lead back.

Mason carried the ball 28 times for 147 rushing yards and one touchdown.

If McCaffrey can’t play against the Vikings, Mason proved he can be the No. 1 option in the backfield.

There was some controversy after the game. ESPN’s Lisa Salters asked Mason when he found out he would be the starter, to which he said, “Maybe Friday night.”

Shanahan shut Mason’s answer down, saying the decision wasn’t made until Monday, suggesting the 49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner or another coach told Mason he would be starting as a way to “pump him up.”