Surprisingly, the San Francisco 49ers will not be without star running back Christian McCaffrey on the field for their home opener against the New York Jets on Monday night.
The 49ers announced that McCaffrey was on the suspended list for the game, but he has been bothered by a calf injury in recent weeks and is not yet 100 percent ready to play.
McCaffrey was officially listed as questionable for “Monday Night Football” due to calf and Achilles injuries, but as NFL Network noted, McCaffrey remained confident he would be able to play.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers goes for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 55 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 league's most potent defenses.
The 49ers have a wealth of talent on offense, but losing McCaffrey will no doubt be a big blow to the team. The two-time All-Pro running back rushed 272 times for a league-best 1,459 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns last season, and defenses know just how much of a threat McCaffrey can be in the passing game as well.
NFL great Rob Gronkowski says the 49ers are “the best team on paper,” but they need to perform when it matters most.
McCaffrey caught 67 of 83 passes from quarterback Brock Purdy for 564 yards and seven receiving scores and was named the Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan understands that McCaffrey's running ability makes defenders hesitant to cover him one-on-one and that the offense depends on him to run.
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during Super Bowl 55 at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
This allows players like receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle to get open downfield, giving Purdy the ability to pick his targets in explosive ways.
The 49ers may still do so on Monday night, and Shanahan is one of the best offensive minds in the game, so it's entirely possible his players will scheme to still produce solid offensive gains and points.
But for a Jets defense that allowed the third-fewest points per game last season, not having to worry about McCaffrey is a big plus heading into a night when Aaron Rodgers returns to the field following a disastrous Week 1 loss at MetLife Stadium.
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is seen competing in Super Bowl 55 on Feb. 11, 2024. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Mason, an undrafted rookie who signed with the 49ers for 2022, has played in 33 games over two seasons in the Bay Area, rushing for 464 yards and four rushing touchdowns in that span.
Follow Fox News Digital X's sports coverage Subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
