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Two key factors will help 49ers withstand CMC’s IR stint initially appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
MINNEAPOLIS — Coach Kyle Shanahan hinted on Friday that the 49ers have been contemplating putting Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, and on Saturday, San Francisco reportedly will make it a reality.
The reigning Offensive Participant of the Yr will miss at least four games and won’t be eligible to return to observe till Week 6 on the earliest, when the 49ers journey to Seattle to tackle the Seahawks.
“It’s one thing we’re contemplating now,” Shanahan mentioned on Friday after observe. “Yesterday was his worst day. It’s on and off, however with yesterday, having probably the most ache, it’s one thing we’re going to be discussing right here within the subsequent 24 hours.”
McCaffrey has been coping with a calf pressure, and perhaps extra considerably, Achilles tendonitis because the starting of coaching camp in July.
The All-Professional shared Wednesday that the damage will not be associated to the calf pressure that positioned him on damage experiences in direction of the tip of 2023. McCaffrey appeared assured that he would play this Sunday’s contest with the Minnesota Vikings, however Shanahan dominated him out Friday.
Whereas dropping McCaffrey for any time will not be best, this could be the perfect portion of the season for the 49ers to be with out one if its prime playmakers. Not solely did Jordan Mason prove himself an efficient ball service with 28 carries for 147 yards in San Francisco’s 32-19 win over the New York Jets, however the tougher a part of their schedule comes later down the homestretch of the season.
After the 49ers are finished within the Land of 10,000 Lakes, they journey to the Los Angeles to face the division rival Rams on Sept. 22 after which host the New England Patriots on Sept. 29 and Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 6.
The 49ers’ Thursday, Oct. 10 matchup in Seattle Week 6 could be probably the most difficult contest throughout the early portion of the season.
Till McCaffrey returns, Shanahan is assured within the steady of operating backs he has at his disposal that features 2024 third-round draft pick Isaac Guerendo and two veterans in Patrick Taylor and Ke’Shawn Vaughn, who may very well be elevated from the observe squad for a number of video games, if wanted.
“Taylor had actual good OTAs and coaching camp with us,” Shanahan mentioned. “Had a bit setback when he did have an damage, however got here again and completed robust there that final week, that final preseason sport.
“Guerendo, he missed a lot time. However then when he obtained these two video games, he was rolling. He regarded good in these video games, regarded the identical means in observe.”
Mason technically started the season as a backup, however Shanahan by no means actually has envisioned him that means. The undrafted free agent labored diligently throughout the offseason to turn out to be not solely a greater ball service however a dependable receiver and goal for Brock Purdy.
The Georgia Tech product is one in an extended line of backs which have had success in Shanahan’s system. In any case, within the first six seasons of Shanahan’s tenure with the 49ers, they’d a distinct main rusher every season.
“It’s completely different to be right down to your third man already,” Shanahan mentioned. “However we by no means actually checked out Elijah [Mitchell] or JP as two or threes. I feel these guys are able to being ones, as Elijah’s proven up to now. And so has JP. For these, the 2 new guys, when their alternative comes, I consider they’re prepared.”
