ESPN: 49ers favorite player resumes training after long term injury.
This preseason, there has been an extraordinary amount of drama leading up to Week 1 for the San Francisco 49ers. Aiyuk and Trent Williams’ contract conflicts have dominated media attention, drawing less attention to the regular early-season injury list. But Christian McCaffrey, the elite running back for the Niners, has been sidelined by a calf/Achilles ailment.
The 49ers injury report states that McCaffrey was limited in practice on Thursday and Friday, but the Stanford product is adamant that he plans to play on Monday against the New York Jets. McCaffrey said, “No, not a concern for me,” in response to a question from reporters asking if he was concerned about being held back by his injury.
At FanDuel Sportsbook, the 49ers are currently strong favorites (-215) against the Jets (+180) to win the game. Naturally, with McCaffrey in the lineup, it’s much simpler to believe that San Francisco will live up to their heavy favorite status.
The line has fluctuated between the Niners being favored by 3.5 and 4.5, most likely because of the lack of certainty around Aiyuk’s involvement and what will happen at left tackle, in addition to McCaffrey’s health.
The explosive running back just finished an amazing 2023 campaign. He had the most overall touches (339) and rushing yards (1,459) in the NFL last season. In addition, he scored 21 touchdowns overall and had 564 receiving yards.
Head coach of the 49ers Kyle Shanahan would probably rely on backup Jordan Mason for carries if McCaffrey was out or even limited. While McCaffrey’s special talent as a receiver provides quarterback Brock Purdy with a valuable outlet and aids Shanahan in creating openings for other wideouts in the passing game, Mason has been extremely productive on the ground throughout his career.
