49ers running back Christian McCaffrey’s absence from “Monday Night Football” came as a shock to many fans, but not to his teammates.
Backup running back Jordan Mason told ESPN’s Lisa Salters after the game that he had already been told Friday that he would be the starter.
“When did I find out? It must have been Friday night,” Mason said after the game.
Reports before the game said McCaffrey was expected to play as he was recovering from a calf problem he suffered in early August.
Then, on Monday night, about 90 minutes before game time, it was suddenly reported that McCaffrey would not be active.
If Mason really knew McCaffrey wouldn’t start on Friday, the 49ers would be fined and penalized by the league for covering up an injury.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan strongly denied Mason’s comments immediately after the game.
“I never told Jordan he was going to start,” Shanahan said after the game. “I told him he had a lot to prepare for, but it could have been Bobby. [Turner] Or someone trying to cheer him up. He knew he had to play a lot, and he knew it wasn’t going to be his usual game.”
Reporters asked Mason during the postgame media meeting when he was told McCaffrey wouldn’t play against the Jets.
“That’s the question that really pisses me off. That’s why I don’t like talking to the press. If I say something wrong… you know… they skip over that question,” Mason said.
Mason dominated the Jets defense during the game, carrying the ball 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, and running for six yards on his only target.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported just before Monday’s game that McCaffrey’s calf issue worsened on Friday and he’s in danger of missing Week 1 as well as Week 2 against the Vikings.
“On Friday, Christian McCaffrey withdrew himself from practice.” The shepherd said“They weren’t overly concerned, they didn’t think it was a big deal, they just thought and hoped he could go tonight.
“The problem is he came in for treatment today and his calf is still tight. Now, let’s keep in mind that he hasn’t practiced all summer. It’s not just his calf that’s been a problem, it’s his Achilles. So there are two issues here. They decided to put him out tonight for a long season.
“Christian McCaffrey is not only out tonight, but he likely won’t play Sunday. They’re playing Minnesota on artificial turf on a short week… He’s out tonight and it looks very likely he won’t play Sunday either.
San Francisco performed well without him in Week 1, winning 32-19 against the Jets, and will likely be a massive favorite against the Vikings regardless of who starts at running back.
