49ers' Christian McCaffrey has Achilles tendinitis

[Auggie]

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Tuesday that Christian McCaffrey had Achilles tendinitis, which the team “has to be very careful about.”

The 49ers exercised caution with the All-Pro running back, making him inactive for Monday’s season-opening win against the Jets, after Shanahan indicated he was involved in medical discussions about the risks involved with McCaffrey playing.

Two words that, ultimately, likely made sitting the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year an easy call: torn Achilles.

That’s according to Dr. Kenneth Jung, a foot and ankle surgeon who is a consultant to the Los Angeles Rams. Jung, of course, isn’t privy to McCaffrey’s medical file. But he noted more serious cases of Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury that causes inflammation, can involve microscopic degeneration, small tears in the fibers in the middle of the tendon that can increase the odds of a season-ending injury.

Link (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/49ers/article/49ers-sitting-christian-mccaffrey-reflects-19760326.php

According to the link, the best treatment for Achilles tendinitis involves rest and physical therapy. Injections, such as platelet-rich plasma, and stem-cell treatment, are non-surgical options that can be used to promote healing in serious cases.

The article suggests that 49ers are going to be very careful with McCaffrey. The true condition of the tendon is an unknown; even working out and doing things to maintain fitness can cause aggravation.

My guess: McCaffrey will be out for a while.

[Docreed2003]

1. Hate this for McCaffery

I am excited for Jordan Mason to have this opportunity. He's a great kid. We're from the same hometown.

[BobTheSubgenius]

4. I am also very happy with what we've seen of Jordan Mason so far.

It's true that he's not the catch-and-run threat that is CMC, but few are. CMC is on the edge of being a generational talent, and the 49ers do have a couple of players that can catch.

I'm anxious to see Pearsall contribute, because I think he's going to surprise people. He's one of the most truly NFL-ready draft picks of recent years. He just can't seem to find an injury he doesn't like. He has the whole toolkit, and while he's not going to set the league on fire the way Randy Moss did, he's going to be an asset.

[True Dough]

2. Yeah, Mason can't catch like McCaffrey can

but he proved last week that he can find the seams and run! 49ers are deep enough that they'll be fine, but if the injuries keep piling up...

[Auggie]

3. +1

[True Dough]

5. The latest from ESPN

McCaffrey is out Sunday (not surprise) and the 49ers are considering moving him to the IR (also not much of a surprise).

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41248529/san-francisco-49ers-rb-christian-mccaffrey-vs-vikings-injured-reserve-consideration

[Auggie]

6. Thanks. If put on the IL, he'd come off in time to be eligible for Seattle on Oct. 10th, Thursday.

He'd miss the Vikings, Rams, Patriots and Cardinals -- not particularly strong opposition. A tune-up against Seattle and then 10 days rest before Kansas City. Makes sense.

[True Dough]

7. And now ESPN is reporting

that "sources" are indicating McCaffrey is being moved to the IR, so he'll miss at least four games.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/41258841/sources-49ers-christian-mccaffrey-ir-next-4-games

[Auggie]

8. Yes

I guess they'll use Deebo Samuel as a second option as they did vs. the Jets, though that's damn risky. Backups are Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor. Guerendo looked good in pre-season. Should see more Kyle Juszczyk too.

[True Dough]

9. Still expected San Fran

to have enough to knock off the Sam Darnold-led Vikings. But Minnesota wins by 6.

[Auggie]

10. Vikings kicked ass from both sides

SF's O-line and D-line were out-muscled. Didn't look to me like the loss of McCaffery was the issue -- team had weeks to prepare from their deep playbook. No. Vikes won that game the old-fashioned way. They earned it.