The NFL’s offensive player of the year for 2023 won’t be playing until at least Week 6 of the 2024 season.
According to several reports, the 49ers have put running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve. This means he will have to miss a minimum of the next four games.
McCaffrey has been dealing with a calf and Achilles issue during training camp. Last week, he unexpectedly didn’t play despite being listed as questionable. This week, he reportedly worsened the injury during Thursday’s practice, leading to this decision.
McCaffrey will miss the game against Minnesota on Sunday, as well as the Week 3 game against the Rams, Week 4 against the Patriots, and Week 5 against the Cardinals.
He can return for Week 6, which is a Thursday night game against the Seahawks.
Following his return, the 49ers will have two more games before their bye week: a Week 7 rematch of the Super Bowl with the Chiefs and a Week 8 home game against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football.
In McCaffrey’s absence, expect Jordan Mason to get more playtime. The undrafted free agent from 2022 had 28 carries in Monday night’s victory over the Jets.
