The San Francisco 49ers have decided to place running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, according to multiple sources. This decision, which will be officially announced on Saturday, comes after reports of McCaffrey experiencing calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis. As a result, the reigning offensive player of the year is expected to miss at least four games and will not be eligible to return until Week 6, when the team faces the Seattle Seahawks on October 10.
McCaffrey will miss his second consecutive game on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings after not practicing on Friday. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan noted that McCaffrey had his “worst day” regarding pain during Thursday’s practice, prompting discussions about the possibility of placing him on injured reserve within the next 24 hours.
Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinted at McCaffrey’s potential absence for the upcoming game. Shanahan dismissed such speculation, but it has since become clear that McCaffrey’s condition is more serious than initially thought. Following a brief diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis, it was reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport that McCaffrey’s return to the field this Sunday was unlikely.
On Friday, general manager John Lynch discussed the situation on KNBR, contemplating the possibility of placing McCaffrey on IR, while also noting that the team’s response would depend on his condition following practice. Lynch emphasized the team’s commitment to making decisions that are in the best interest of both McCaffrey and the team.
In McCaffrey’s absence, backup Jordan Mason had a standout performance in the game against the New York Jets, showcasing his ability to step up while filling in for the star running back. However, with limited game experience, it remains uncertain how sustainable Mason’s performance will be, which adds further complexity to the 49ers’ situation as they navigate McCaffrey’s recovery.