1 week Ago By Kyle Irving
In a shocking turn of events, the 49ers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey to start the 2024 season. McCaffrey was sidelined for nearly all of training camp as he nursed a calf and Achilles injury. The 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year expressed confidence at every checkpoint that he would be available for Week 1.
When San Francisco announced its injury report for its "Monday Night Football" showdown with the Jets, McCaffrey's name was a glaring addition. Why is McCaffrey out for the 49ers' season-opener against the Jets? The Sporting News takes a closer look below. LIVE: Jets take on 49ers in Aaron Rodgers' first game back from Achilles tear Why is Christian McCaffrey out vs.
Jets? McCaffrey was a massive surprise on the 49ers injury report ahead of their "Monday Night Football" matchup with the Jets. He will not play in San Francisco's season opener. A surprise: #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is inactive tonight against the #Jets , sources tell me and @RapSheet .
McCaffrey was listed as questionable after being limited in practice last week with calf/Achilles injuries. McCaffrey had expressed confidence he would play. pic.
twitter.com/rLQMXVU3nR McCaffrey went into the contest with a "questionable" tag after logging limited practices all week leading up to the game. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport even reported that McCaffrey "expects to play and handle something close to his normal workload" on Monday morning.
McCaffrey worked out before the game and "his calf did not feel right," leading the 49ers to "err on the side of caution," per Rapoport . Check back for updates on the severity of McCaffrey's calf and Achilles as they become available. 49ers RB depth chart 49ers backup running back Jordan Mason will fill the role as interim starter with McCaffrey out against New York.
Mason has proven to be a viable replacement, rushing for 206 yards and three touchdowns on only 40 carries last season. He will be joined by 26-year-old Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo in the backfield.
Taylor played three NFL seasons as a backup in Green Bay, rushing for 261 yards and one touchdown in his career. Guerendo was a fourth-round pick out of Louisville in the 2024 NFL Draft. He rushed for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior last year.
Don't be surprised if All-Pro fullback Kyle Juszczyk gets involved in the passing game out of the backfield, as well. You can find the 49ers complete RB depth chart behind McCaffrey below. Role Player Starter Christian McCaffrey (Injured) RB2 Jordan Mason RB3 Patrick Taylor Jr.
; Isaac Guerendo.
