49ers issue worrying Christian McCaffrey injury latest update after Jets win: when will he return?

The San Francisco 49ers got their 2024 NFL season off to a flying start thanks to a 32-19 win over the New York Jets at Levi´s Stadium, a victory their achieved without the presence of key running back Christian McCaffrey.

After missing most of the team’s training camp and all three preseason games due to calf and Achilles injuries, McCaffrey returned to training camp last week, but was listed as questionable in the build-up to facing the Jets.

The 28-year-old told reporters last Friday he expected to play in the season opener but was ultimately downgraded to ‘out’. Jordan Mason filled in in impressive fashion, with 29 touches for 152 yards and a touchdown, drawing huge praise from a number of teammates after the game.

Will Christian McCaffrey play against the Vikings in Week 2?

Will Mason be needed once again when the Niners take on the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 2 game on Sunday (September 15)?

After the victory against the Jets, head coach Kyle Shanahan contradicted himself somewhat when discussing McCaffrey’s injury and possible return date with reporters.

“He didn’t have a setback. It was on and off throughout the week. He was able to practice throughout the week. It was always bothering him to a degree. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it comes back. Today it was bothering him a little too much to where we didn’t feel good about it”.

When asked whether he feared the injury would linger for several weeks, a concerned Shanahan responded: “Always. It’s been lingering the last few weeks”.

The 49ers coach did at least try to finish on a positive note: “But it’s getting better and better, and hopefully he’ll be better next week.”

That suggests there is some chance McCaffrey will be available to play face the Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium, although it looks as if it will again be a case of playing the waiting game during the week.