The San Francisco 49ers won't open the practice window for running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) this week, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey is ramping up his football activities as he deals with bi-lateral Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs, but he won't return to practice next week or be available to play in Week 7 for a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs. CMC remains on Injured Reserve, and the 49ers are most likely targeting a potential return for last year's Offensive Player of the Year in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their Week 9 bye. Fantasy managers must remain patient and hope the 28-year-old can return to form quickly upon his return later this season. With Jordan Mason (shoulder) suffering an AC joint sprain in Thursday night's win over the Seahawks, rookie Isaac Guerendo could be called upon to start in Week 7 versus KC.
Oct 11, 2024 3:50 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) is targeting an early November return from Injured Reserve. McCaffrey was technically eligible to come off IR to play on Thursday night in Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks, but that was never going to happen. The fact that CMC has yet to practice means he still has a ways to go before he can even think about making his 2024 debut. Fantasy managers obviously can do nothing but hope McCaffrey returns sooner than later and keep him stashed in an IR spot. In the meantime, Jordan Mason, who has been one of the league's leading rushers through five weeks, will continue to serve as San Fran's lead back. Mason is the RB5 in half-PPR scoring heading into Thursday night's game against Seattle and should be deployed in all fantasy starting lineups against a beat-up defense.
Oct 10, 2024 7:58 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) will remain on Injured Reserve and will not be available to make his 2024 debut this Thursday night against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks on the road in Week 6. McCaffrey is dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs and has yet to play so far in 2024. However, he did do some on-field work last week and didn't have any setbacks to his legs. The 49ers will continue to take things slow with last year's leading rusher, but it's been reported that CMC could be ready to make his season debut at the earliest in Week 7 for a rematch of last year's Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. But there's also a possibility that San Fran decides to hold McCaffrey out through their Week 9 bye. He needs to remain stashed in all fantasy formats, while Jordan Mason maintains RB1 status for however long McCaffrey is sidelined.
Oct 7, 2024 4:32 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) will not be activated when eligible to return for the team's Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football, per Adam Schefter. McCaffrey, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2 with nagging calf and bilateral Achilles tendinitis, was a candidate to return to the team this week, but it's looking like that won't come to fruition. However, there is optimism surrounding the 28-year-old after his calf and Achilles issues did not flare up upon his return to on-field work this past week. It's a notable development, considering this is the superstar back's first work on the field since being placed on IR. Per Schefter, if McCaffrey can continue ramping up his participation with no setbacks, he would have a chance at suiting up for San Francisco's Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 20. He could also return to action the following week when the team takes on the Dallas Cowboys. Additionally, the 49ers could continue to play it safe with their All-Pro running back with their bye week following the matchup against Dallas. We're at least a few weeks away from clarity on this situation. Still, fantasy managers have to be encouraged regarding the consensus first-overall pick's status with the recent news.
Oct 5, 2024 9:55 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) has been dealing with bi-lateral Achilles tendinitis, meaning he has the tendinitis in both of his legs. McCaffrey recently traveled to Germany to meet with specialists and get treatment done on his legs. The 28-year-old could attempt to run this week to test out his injuries, but the fact is that he remains on Injured Reserve and doesn't have a clear timetable to return. If everything goes as planned and CMC doesn't have any further setbacks, he should be ready to return at some point in early November. It's been tough for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey with the first overall pick in drafts, but all they can do is remain patient and keep him stashed with hopes he return in the second half. Until then, Jordan Mason, who went over 100 yards rushing for the third time in four games in Week 4, will be a must-start RB1 in fantasy.
Sep 30, 2024 5:12 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) recently returned from seeing a specialist in Germany. It sounds like the plan is for McCaffrey to continue working on the ground, but he won't be back on the field anytime soon. The earliest McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be Week 6. Right now the plan is for McCaffrey to possibly return by early November. That isn't great news for fantasy managers, but at least the superstar back will only miss a handful of more games. In the meantime, Jordan Mason figures to continue being the lead back. Mason should be considered a RB1 in fantasy formats until McCaffrey returns.
Sep 29, 2024 9:28 AM EST
A report earlier on Thursday suggested that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) could miss two more months after visiting with a specialist in Germany this week. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said later in the day that "we'll probably turn it up here in the next couple of weeks... we'll start testing it out here sooner rather than later." The earliest that McCaffrey can resume practicing with the team will be before the Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks since he was placed on Injured Reserve before Week 2. Whenever the Niners designate CMC to return from IR, he'll then have three weeks to return to action. An exact timeline for the 28-year-old's return is unclear, but fantasy managers shouldn't expect it to happen in Week 6. In the meantime, Jordan Mason will continue operating as the lead back and will have RB1 upside in fantasy.
Sep 26, 2024 8:20 PM EST
After seeing a specialist in Germany, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) will likely be sidelined for at least a month and "probably closer to a couple of months." It's obvious terrible news for the 49ers and any fantasy managers that took CMC with the first overall pick in fantasy drafts this year. The 28-year-old is currently on Injured Reserve but isn't going to be ready to return for the Niners when he's eligible in Week 5 against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. When the reigning NFL rushing champion finally does return from his injury, he could also be eased back in so that he doesn't suffer any setbacks. All fantasy managers can do is be patient at this point and hope McCaffrey can regain his pre-injury form when he returns. In the meantime, Jordan Mason is going to continue to be a must-start RB1 in fantasy as San Fran's lead back.
Sep 26, 2024 1:53 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) traveled to Germany over the weekend to visit with a specialist, according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey is expected to spend a few days in Europe this week to get help for his injured Achilles. CMC injured his Achilles/calf in training camp back in August and was placed on Injured Reserve, meaning he cannot return until at least Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, there's a good chance the 28-year-old All-Pro will be out beyond that, depending on how quickly he recovers over the next several weeks. Fantasy managers obviously need to continue stashing last year's rushing champion in an IR spot while hoping for a speedy recovery. With the Niners' offense banged up, RB Jordan Mason will continue to be heavily involved and will be a weekly RB1 for fantasy managers until McCaffrey comes off IR.
Sep 23, 2024 7:10 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) was placed on the injured reserve on Saturday. This news comes after McCaffrey was sidelined for the season opener due to Achilles tendinitis and a calf strain. He'll miss at least the next four games after being placed on the injured reserve, but he could be out longer than that. Ian Rapoport believes it could take up to six weeks for McCaffrey to heal from his Achilles tendinitis. Possibly, McCaffrey is able to play through the issue after his stint on the injured reserve, but fantasy managers should prepare for him to miss up to six weeks. In his absence, Jordan Mason figures to be the lead back and should be rostered in just about every fantasy format after his showing in Week 1.
Sep 15, 2024 9:43 AM EST
The San Francisco 49ers are placing running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles tendinitis) on Injured Reserve today, aiming for him to fully recover from his Achilles tendinitis over the next four games. McCaffrey missed most of training camp and did not play in the preseason due to a calf strain, which head coach Kyle Shanahan disclosed on August 6. The reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey led the league last season in touches (339), rushing yards (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,032), and scrimmage touchdowns (21). The earliest he can return is October 10th against Seattle on Thursday Night Football. In his absence, Jordan Mason stepped up as the 49ers' RB1, delivering a standout performance with 152 yards and a touchdown on 29 touches. While Mason's impressive showing provides some reassurance, it's important to note that McCaffrey's unique skill set and versatility are irreplaceable. Mason will serve as an RB1 until McCaffrey's return, and this situation underscores the importance of rostering your running back's handcuffs to prepare for potential injuries.
Sep 14, 2024 1:50 PM EST
Updating a previous report, the San Francisco 49ers may place running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) on the Injured Reserve on Saturday, which would rule him out for at least the next four games. The Niners ruled McCaffrey out for Week 2 versus the Minnesota Vikings this Sunday after he was unable to practice on Friday. CMC suffered a calf strain early in training camp, but he's also dealing with Achilles tendinitis, which is why he sat out the season-opening win over the New York Jets on Monday night. This is pretty much a worst-case scenario for fantasy managers that took McCaffrey at the top of their drafts, as he's now likely to miss at least the first month of the season. CMC obviously needs to be stashed everywhere. Jordan Mason, who went off as the team's RB1 in Week 1 in place of McCaffrey, now sees his fantasy stock rise even more. He's rostered in 82% of Yahoo leagues right now.
Sep 13, 2024 7:24 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) was ruled out for Sunday's game, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The star running back logged two limited practice sessions earlier this week but was not spotted at Friday's practice. The 28-year-old will need at least another week to recover from the injury he suffered during camp. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media on Friday that the team is considering placing McCaffrey on the injured reserve, which could keep him sidelined for at least the next four games. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Jordan Mason to serve as the primary running back this weekend. Mason looked quite comfortable serving as the lead runner in the season opener as he logged 28 carries for 147 yards and a score. He should be viewed as a high-end RB2 going forward.
Sep 13, 2024 5:09 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) remains questionable heading into Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. General manager John Lynch spoke on KNBR radio and said, "Don't know that answer. Dealing with Achilles tendinitis, could be good one day and then it flares. Been frustrating," when asked about his star running back's status. He further noted that, "We're thinking in long view. We need Christian healthy, fully out there, and don't want to compromise anything." In Week 1, Jordan Mason got the starting nod and looked quite comfortable, as he ran for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 attempts. If McCaffrey is not deemed ready for Sunday, fantasy managers should feel comfortable starting Mason as an RB1 in all leagues.
Sep 13, 2024 12:26 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles, calf) was on the practice field in uniform with the rest of the team on Thursday for what was not a fully padded session. McCaffrey was listed as limited for the first practice of the week on Wednesday and probably will end up with another limited designation on Thursday. Still, the fact that the 28-year-old is practicing at all after being a surprise inactive in Monday night's win over the New York Jets is good news. Last year's rushing champion is reportedly dealing with Achilles tendinitis in addition to a calf injury he suffered early in training camp. CMC hasn't been ruled out for Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, but signs are pointing to him being unlikely to suit up as the 49ers play things extra cautious with their star back. If McCaffrey is held out again this Sunday, Jordan Mason will be a must-start in this high-scoring 49ers offense as the lead back.
Sep 12, 2024 6:02 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) will continue to practice in a limited fashion on Wednesday according to Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. McCaffrey was unable to play in the season opener due to a calf/Achilles issue. Inman further reported that the star running back has never been considered to be placed on the injured reserve as he "could have played last week" according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. While McCaffrey is still in a limited fashion, seeing him on the practice field is a good sign for his progress. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation as he could be nearing a return. If the 28-year-old does not suit up for their Week 2 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, Jordan Mason should be expected to lead the backfield once again and a be high-end RB2 on Sunday.
Sep 11, 2024 4:07 PM EST
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) feels like a long shot to play in Week 2. McCaffrey was a surprise inactive in Week 1 and backup Jordan Mason filled in admirably in the team's runaway win over the Jets on Monday night. Mason could be in line for another big week with McCaffrey likely out based on this report. McCaffrey is dealing with a calf issue as well as Achilles tendinitis and the 49ers may be playing it safe early in the season with their star running back. Mason rushed 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown in Week 1 and added a catch for five yards so he is clearly capable of filling in for McCaffrey. Fantasy managers of McCaffrey will hope he returns in a full capacity in Week 3.
Sep 11, 2024 9:28 AM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf, Achilles) is in danger of missing two straight games. The superstar back was declared inactive a few hours before the season opener against the New York Jets on Monday. There was some controversy about backup running back Jordan Mason knowing he was going to start on Friday, but the team insisted that McCaffrey was a game-time decision. Now, it sounds like McCaffrey could sit out against the Minnesota Vikings this weekend. It's a short week and Minnesota does play on a turf, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the 49ers play it safe. They didn't seem to miss a beat with Mason running all over the Jets defense. The 49ers are likely going to draw this out all week, but fantasy managers who have McCaffrey rostered should get a backup plan ready for in case he does miss Week 2.
Sep 10, 2024 9:54 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (calf/Achilles) was somewhat of a surprising inactive during Monday's game against the New York Jets. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year was labeled as questionable with a calf and Achilles injury on Saturday's final injury report, but fantasy managers did not know he wouldn't play until the inactives list came out 90 minutes before kickoff. While McCaffrey's Week 2 status is still up in the air, head coach Kyle Shanahan said he would have played if it was a playoff game, which means his aliment could be manageable. The team is likely to be careful with McCaffrey early in the 2024 campaign, so Jordan Mason could be on the fantasy radar even when CMC returns to action.
Sep 10, 2024 2:15 PM EST
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that running back Christian McCaffrey's (calf) injury did not involve a setback but was simply too bothersome for him to play effectively on Sunday. Despite practicing all week, McCaffrey's calf issue has been intermittent and proved too troublesome for this game. During the ESPN postgame interview, Jordan Mason mentioned he was informed on Friday night that he would be starting, but Shanahan corrected this, stating that Mason was only told he would likely see significant playing time and didn't confirm the starting role until the day of the game. Shanahan addressed the situation to prevent any potential league repercussions. The excellent news is McCaffrey did not suffer a setback, and he will have six days to recover before the 49ers face the Vikings in Week 2. McCaffrey remains a must-start if available, while Mason is his top backup and must start if McCaffrey is sidelined again.
Sep 10, 2024 12:20 AM EST