San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey remains optimistic about suiting up for the team’s season opener against the New York Jets, despite dealing with a calf/Achilles injury. This preseason has been marked by off-field drama for the 49ers, with much of the attention focused on contract disputes involving key players like Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams. As a result, some of the team’s early injury concerns, including McCaffrey’s, have flown under the radar.
McCaffrey, who was limited during Thursday and Friday’s practices, made it clear that he fully expects to play on Monday night. The former Stanford star dismissed any concerns about his injury when speaking to reporters, saying confidently, “No, not a concern for me.” His participation is crucial for the 49ers, who are currently listed as heavy favorites (-215) to win against the Jets (+180) at FanDuel Sportsbook.
The betting line has fluctuated between the 49ers being favored by 3.5 to 4.5 points, reflecting uncertainties surrounding the team’s lineup, including the status of McCaffrey and key positions such as left tackle. Having McCaffrey available significantly boosts San Francisco’s chances, as his presence on the field adds a dynamic element to both the running and passing games.
McCaffrey is coming off a stellar 2023 season where he showcased his versatility and playmaking skills. Last year, he led the NFL with 339 total touches and amassed 1,459 rushing yards. He also contributed 564 receiving yards and scored 21 total touchdowns, proving to be a critical component of the 49ers’ offense.
If McCaffrey is unable to play or is limited in any capacity, head coach Kyle Shanahan is likely to turn to backup running back Jordan Mason. Mason, while effective as a rusher, does not offer the same dual-threat capabilities as McCaffrey, who serves as a valuable receiving option for quarterback Brock Purdy and helps to create opportunities for other wide receivers in Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
