San Francisco All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey missed the season opener against the New York Jets due to a sore calf and Achilles tendon, which has been bothering him all summer.
McCaffrey injured himself early in training camp and missed four weeks of practice before he was able to return last week. Although he was listed as questionable and expected to play Monday night, he was unexpectedly left out of the game.
“He didn’t have a setback. It was on and off throughout the week,” coach Kyle Shanahan explained. “He practiced during the week, but it was always bothering him to some degree.
Sometimes it eases up, sometimes it flares up. Today it was bothering him too much for us to feel comfortable with him playing.”
Jordan Mason stepped in for McCaffrey and rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries in San Francisco’s 32-19 victory.
Mason mentioned in a TV interview after the game that he was informed on Friday that he would start, even though McCaffrey was listed as questionable. However, Shanahan said the final decision was made on Monday.
Despite McCaffrey’s absence, Mason ensured it didn’t impact the game negatively.
“Not having Christian is huge, but we have a team that is really committed to running the ball,” Shanahan said. “We have 10 guys who block for whichever running back is in. Our running backs and receivers also know how to run effectively.”
McCaffrey led the NFL last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and was tied for the league lead with 21 touchdowns, earning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
San Francisco also added All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams to the 53-man roster after his long contract holdout, releasing Brandon Parker to make space.
