The NFL's first Monday Night Football game of the 2024 season will feature two all-star teams with Super Bowl hopes: the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets.
However, the game lost some of its appeal when it was announced before kickoff that 49ers star linebacker Christian McCaffrey would not play due to a calf injury that has bothered him for much of the summer.
According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, McCaffrey may not play next week against the Minnesota Vikings either, per Awful Anouncement.
Adam Schefter has more details on Christian McCaffrey after “talking to various 49ers officials.”
He adds: “It looks like there's a good chance McCaffrey won't play Sunday against the Vikings.” #NFL https://t.co/XG632FaAJa pic.twitter.com/kG34jnMHdr
— Awful Announcement (@awfulannouncing) September 9, 2024
It's a big loss for San Francisco, a team that runs the football more than most other teams in the league.
Last year, McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards, total yards, total touchdowns, and total offensive touchdowns, earning him a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro selection, as well as Offensive Player of the Year honors.
In fact, he finished third in MVP voting, which is perhaps something of an accomplishment considering how devalued running backs have become in recent years.
Luckily for the Niners, they have other viable options on offense.
Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk make up one of the best wide receiver duos in football, and George Kittle is arguably the best tight end in the game.
Third-year starter Jordan Mason started at running back and got off to a strong start, gaining 24 yards on six attempts in the first quarter.
A calf injury is something to be treated with extreme caution, especially after NBA superstar Kevin Durant returned from injury too early in 2019 and quickly tore his Achilles tendon.
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