Schefter saying it’s unlikely CMC plays next week vs Minnesota pic.twitter.com/sh575sKIQh
— Davis Mattek (@DavisMattek) September 9, 2024
McCaffrey missed most of training camp due to a strained calf, which continues to bother him. He returned to practice last week, and there was even some hope he could play in Week 1 against the New York Jets. Instead, the 49ers started Jordan Mason, who contributed a dominant 152 yards from scrimmage on 29 touches.
The 49ers offense remains absolutely loaded, but they're certainly disappointed with McCaffrey's continued absence. He's arguably their crown jewel: He led the NFL in rushing yards (1459), yards from scrimmage (2023), and total touchdowns (21) in 2023, earning the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year award in the process.
McCaffrey's extensive missed time this offseason should be a harsh reminder that health can't be taken for granted at the running back position. Though McCaffrey was as reliable as possible over his first 27 appearances with the 49ers, he is 28 years old and missed 23 games from 2021 to 2022. Fans need only look to other one-time superstars like Ezekiel Elliot (29 years old) and Dalvin Cook (29 years old) to see how quickly a great back can fall from grace.
The 49ers showed on Monday night that they can still run the ball without McCaffrey. They'll miss his unique ability as a receiver, but so long as wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle are all healthy, the 49ers will still field a dominant group of pass catchers. Given the overall talent of their roster, they can afford to give McCaffrey all the time he needs to recover.
Photo Credit: © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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