The NFL’s first “Monday Night Football” matchup of the 2024 season features two star-studded teams with Super Bowl aspirations in the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.
But the matchup lost some of its luster when it was announced prior to kick-off that 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey wouldn’t play due to a calf injury that has been bothering him for much of this summer.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, McCaffrey may not play next week against the Minnesota Vikings as well, per Awful Announcing.
This is a big loss for San Francisco, a team that runs the football more than most others in the league.
McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards, total yards, total touchdowns and total offensive touchdowns last year, which earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team nods, as well as the Offensive Player of the Year award.
In fact, he came in third in the MVP balloting, which is perhaps something of an accomplishment given how much running backs have been devalued in recent years.
Fortunately for the Niners, they do have other viable options on offense.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk make up one of football’s better wide receiver duos, and George Kittle is arguably the game’s best tight end.
Jordan Mason, a third-year man, got the start at RB, and he got off to a good start with 24 yards on six rushing attempts in the first quarter.
A calf injury is one that needs to be handled with an abundance of caution, especially after NBA superstar Kevin Durant came back too early from one and promptly tore his Achilles in 2019.
