49ers could be without Christian McCaffrey for ‘months’ as star RB struggles with injury

San Francisco 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan confirms Christian McCaffrey will likely miss week 2 game against Minnesota Vikings.

49ers could be without Christian McCaffrey for ‘months’ as star RB struggles with injury

Christian McCaffrey will likely miss week 2 game against Minnesota Vikings (Image via Imago)

GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have built the San Francisco 49ers with one goal in mind: win the Super Bowl. Not just once, but try to win multiple before they will probably need to retool their roster. One of the core pieces they brought in for that goal is running back Christian McCaffrey. That trade led to a fantastic run to the championship game last season. But this season, it is off to a bad start.

The reason is nothing to do with his all-world skills that scare the living daylights out of opposing defenders. Instead, it is his injury that has the 49ers worried. Bleacher Report Gridiron quoted Adam Schefter as revealing that the star RB will miss week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings. He is suffering from Achilles tendinitis, an injury which generally takes months to heal properly.

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With Kyle Shanahan and the San Francisco 49ers monitoring his recovery week to week, it could be some time before the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year takes to the field. If backup RB Jordan Mason can continue his game 1 performance, then it will be a win win situation for the franchise as well as McCaffrey.

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If anything, the 49ers would prefer his injury to heal completely before padding up. Any push to play him earlier than necessary could hamper his recovery. Instead, a fully healthy Christian McCaffrey will be a better bet for the franchise in their hopes to be lucky in their attempt at the Super Bowl.

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49ers could develop two-headed monster with Christian McCaffrey out

This injury might end up being a blessing in disguise for the San Francisco 49ers. As stated above, rest can help their All-Pro keep his legs and body fresh. On the other hand, week 1 star Jordan Mason could blossom into a star. He has the offensive line and the play calling wizardry of the 49ers to develop his game.

San Francisco HC Kyle Shanahan 49ers could benefit in Super Bowl quest if Jordan Mason continues to develop in Christian McCaffrey's absence
San Francisco HC Kyle Shanahan 49ers could benefit in Super Bowl quest if Jordan Mason continues to develop in Christian McCaffrey’s absence (Image via Imago/X)

Some might have a premonition that the former undrafted player did not even eclipse 500 yards in his NFL career before his week 1 exploits. But with their current situation, they can continue to help Mason develop. If he does manage to find some stride and become if not a superstar back but at least a running back who can chip in consistent yardage, it could open up new offensive avenues for the 49ers.

Once they have McCaffrey back, they can create a two headed attack with these two. Last season, Christian McCaffrey’s singular exploits from the backfield ran defenses into the ground. Now, with help beside him, a Super Bowl might finally become a reality.

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