49ers star Christian McCaffrey shockingly inactive vs Jets with calf injury

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In shocking fashion, the San Francisco 49ers will not have star running back Christian McCaffrey on the field for their home opener against the New York Jets on Monday night. 

The 49ers posted their inactive list for the game, and McCaffrey’s calf ailment, which he’s been dealing with the last couple of weeks, still isn’t letting him go 100%. 

McCaffrey was officially listed as questionable leading into "Monday Night Football" with calf and Achilles injuries. However, as NFL Network pointed out, McCaffrey had confidence that he would be playing. 

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Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Instead, backup Jordan Mason will be the starting running back against one of the toughest defenses in the league. 

It’s no question McCaffrey’s loss is a big one for the 49ers despite all the talent they possess on offense. The two-time All-Pro running back had a league-high 1,459 yards rushing last season on 272 attempts with 14 rushing touchdowns, and defenses know how much of a threat he can be in the pass game as well. 

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McCaffrey hauled in 67 of his 83 targets from quarterback Brock Purdy for a total 564 yards and seven receiving scores as he went on to be named the AP Offensive Player of the Year. 

Head coach Kyle Shanahan knows that the offense goes as McCaffrey goes, given his running abilities