Christian McCaffrey placed on IR? 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan hints that it’s something “they’re considering”

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said they might sideline All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey due to a sore calf, fearing it could lead to an Achilles tear.

Christian McCaffrey placed on IR? 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan hints that it’s something “they’re considering”

(L) Christian McCaffrey and (R) Kyle Shanahan (Image via IMAGO)

It’s not looking good for Christian McCaffrey. The San Francisco 49ers are placing their All-Pro running back on the injured reserve list.

McCaffrey missed the opening game of the 2024 season win against the New York Jets because of a sore calf that bugged him through the entire offseason and the pre-season games. The 49ers opted for the wait-and-watch approach for the 28-year-old, but the situation got worse.

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According to KNBR, the 3x All-Pro rusher attended practice on Thursday despite not seeing improvement in the pain in his calf. He went through some light training drills before the coaches asked him to take an early shower.

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On Friday, NBC Sports Nick Wagoner posted on X (previously Twitter) that McCaffrey was missing from the training.

Later, the 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke and updated the media with the latest report on Christian McCaffrey’s injury. As feared, they are placing him on the injured reserve list. It means he will not only miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings but also be out for the next 5.

Something we’re considering now. Yesterday was his worst day. It’s on and off, but with yesterday having the most pain, it’s something we’re going to discuss in the next 24 hours.
Kyle Shanahan said

McCaffrey’s injury problems did not pop up yesterday. He went through similar circumstances during his second last season at the Carolina Panthers in 2020. First, an ankle injury restricted him from a couple of early-season games. After returning, he hurt his shoulder, which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

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Who will replace Christian McCaffrey at the Vikings game for the 49ers?

The obvious answer is Jordan Mason, who has been with the 49ers since 2022. Shanahan upgraded the undrafted rusher to the starting roster ahead of the Jets game, and he added 28 carries with the ball for 147 yards and scored 1 touchdown.

Christian McCaffrey placed on IR Kyle Shanahan hints that it's Something we’re considering
Christian McCaffrey (Image via IMAGO)

After the game, McCaffrey praised Mason, calling it his breakout game.

Yeah absolutely. Congratulated him. We got a special [running back] room, and he's right there in the play. Someone who is going to help our team a lot this year. So, I'm happy he's in our room and super happy for him.
Christian McCaffrey said (H/T: NBC Sports Bay Area)

Shanahan used the former Georgia Tech player as the backup to McCaffrey in 2023. Mason played in all 17 games, coming on during the 3rd and 4th downs to gain some valuable yards. He had 40 carries for 206 yards and three touchdowns.

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Additionally, the 49ers signed former Green Bay Packers running back Patrick Taylor Jr. in the off-season. They also drafted Isaac Guerendo in the latest NFL draft and had added rookie free agent Cody Schrader for depth.