In a surprising move, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that star running back Christian McCaffrey was held out of the 49ers' season opener against the New York Jets to prevent his Achilles tendinitis from worsening. Shanahan stated that McCaffrey could have played if it had been a playoff game but the team erred on the side of caution.
McCaffrey, who had been listed as questionable leading up to the game, expressed his readiness to play on Friday. However, the decision to sit him was not finalized until Monday, with fill-in Jordan Mason being informed to prepare for a potentially increased workload.
Shanahan emphasized that McCaffrey's Achilles tendinitis is a condition that can fluctuate in severity and requires careful management. Despite McCaffrey's confidence in his ability to play in a playoff scenario, the team opted to prioritize his long-term health over immediate gameplay.
During McCaffrey's absence, Mason stepped up admirably, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries, contributing significantly to the 49ers' 32-19 victory.
McCaffrey, who led the NFL in yards from scrimmage last season and earned the AP Offensive Player of the Year award, has been dealing with the Achilles issue since early in training camp. After missing four weeks of practice, he returned to the field last week but was ultimately sidelined for the season opener.
While the NFL has the authority to investigate potential violations of injury reporting, no official statements have been made regarding McCaffrey's situation at this time.
Shanahan reiterated that McCaffrey remains day-to-day, underscoring the team's commitment to managing his Achilles tendinitis with caution. The decision to sit him for the opener, though difficult, was deemed necessary in the interest of his long-term well-being.
As the 49ers navigate McCaffrey's injury status moving forward, the team will continue to monitor his condition closely to ensure his safe return to play when he is fully ready.
