49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's absence from “Monday Night Football” came as a shock to many fans, but not to his teammates.
Backup running back Jordan Mason told ESPN's Lisa Salters after the game that he was informed of his starting role as early as Friday.
“When did I find out? Probably Friday night,” Mason said after the game.
According to pre-game reports, McCaffrey was expected to play in the game as he recovered from a calf injury he suffered in early August.
Then on Monday night, about 90 minutes before kickoff, reports suddenly emerged that McCaffrey would not play.
If Mason was indeed informed that McCaffrey would not play on Friday, the 49ers could face fines and penalties from the league office for concealing the injury.
49ers coach Kyle Shanahan vehemently denied Mason's comments immediately after the game.
“I never said Jordan was going to start,” Shanahan said after the game. “I said a lot of times he had to be ready, but Bobby might start. [Turner] “Or someone is trying to motivate him. He knew he was going to have to play a lot and that things weren't going to be as they usually are.”
During the post-game press conference, reporters asked Mason when it was reported that McCaffrey would be benched for the game against the Jets.
“That question is what makes me angry, and that's why I don't really like talking to the media, because if I say one thing wrong, the question gets skipped,” Mason said.
Mason dominated the Jets defense throughout the game, carrying the ball 28 times for 147 yards and a touchdown, while also catching the lone pass for six yards.
ESPN's Adam Schefter also reported just before kickoff on Monday that McCaffrey's calf stiffness on Friday not only put him out for Week 1, but could potentially sideline him for Week 2 against the Vikings as well.
“Christian McCaffrey missed practice on Friday.” Schefter says“They weren't too worried, they didn't think it was a big deal, they just thought and expected he'd be able to go tonight,” said Brown.
“The problem is that he came in today for treatment and his calf was still tight. Don't forget that he basically didn't train all summer. Not only was his calf injured, but his Achilles was also injured, so there were two issues. With a long season ahead of us, the team decided to sit him out tonight.”
“Not only is Christian McCaffrey out tonight, it seems very likely he won't play Sunday either. They're playing on grass on a short week in Minnesota… He's inactive tonight and it seems very likely he won't play Sunday either.”
San Francisco beat the Jets 32-19 in Week 1 without him and should dominate the Vikings no matter who the starting running back is.
