In a shocking turn of events, the 49ers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey to start the 2024 season.
McCaffrey was sidelined for nearly all of training camp as he nursed a calf and Achilles injury. The 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year expressed confidence at every checkpoint that he would be available for Week 1.
When San Francisco announced its injury report for its “Monday Night Football” showdown with the Jets, McCaffrey’s name was a glaring addition.
Why is McCaffrey out for the 49ers’ season-opener against the Jets? The Sporting News takes a closer look below.
Why is Christian McCaffrey out vs. Jets?
McCaffrey was a massive surprise on the 49ers injury report ahead of their “Monday Night Football” matchup with the Jets. He will not play in San Francisco’s season opener.
A surprise: #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is inactive tonight against the #Jets, sources tell me and @RapSheet. McCaffrey was listed as questionable after being limited in practice last week with calf/Achilles injuries. McCaffrey had expressed confidence he would play. pic.twitter.com/rLQMXVU3nR
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 9, 2024
McCaffrey went into the contest with a “questionable” tag after logging limited practices all week leading up to the game.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport even reported that McCaffrey “expects to play and handle something close to his normal workload” on Monday morning.
McCaffrey worked out before the game and “his calf did not feel right,” leading the 49ers to “err on the side of caution,” per Rapoport.
This post will be updated with more information when it becomes available.
