Christian McCaffrey has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game in Minnesota. After a late scratch in Monday’s season opener, his earlier out designation in week two reflects the heightened concern San Francisco has for his Achilles tendinitis. Kyle Shanahan announced McCaffrey’s official status Friday afternoon, and ominously didn’t rule out a trip to IR for the superstar back.
“It’s something we’re considering, yeah,” Shanahan said. “Yesterday was his worst day, it’s on and off but with yesterday him being in the most pain, it’s something we’ll be discussing over the next 24 hours.”
Yikes. As good as Jordan Mason was in McCaffrey’s place on Monday night, it goes without saying that CMC is an elevator unlike any other offensive non-quarterback in the NFL. Mason will now assume the starting RB role without the benefit of an opponent preparing for McCaffrey all week long. On Sunday in Minnesota, and more than likely next week in LA, Mason will be the focal point for the Vikings’ and Rams’ run defenses.
49ers General Manager John Lynch joined Murph and Markus on Friday morning for his weekly appearance. Although it was before the news of his Minnesota status broke, Lynch offered perspective on how cautious the Niners will be with his calf/Achilles. SF is uniquely equipped to succeed even without its best offensive player. The front office and coaching staff will weigh that when it comes to McCaffrey’s timetable for return.
“He’s dealing with this Achilles tendinitis, which is one of those deals that can be feeling good one day and the next it flares,” Lynch explained. “Primary in our mind is the long view. Christian is such an elite player, he changes us, he makes us different. But also it’s nice to see that we can function at a really high level without him.”
Lynch also heaped praise on rookie offensive lineman Dominick Puni, who continues to be recognized as one of the league’s standout rookies. The 49ers have been high on Puni since OTA’s. Puni was the highest ranked rookie offensive lineman in week one, according to PFF.
“It wouldn’t be fair to call him steady, he’s more than just steady.”
Hear the full interview with John Lynch below, and catch him weekly all season long on KNBR 680 AM, 104.5 FM, and streaming live on YouTube and Twitch.
