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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was the near consensus 1.01 pick in fantasy football drafts this year. Unfortunately, the superstar running back suffered a calf injury during training camp.
While many expected the fantasy superstar to play Monday night against the New York Jets, the 49ers made McCaffrey a last-minute inactive because of the calf injury. Fantasy players cursed the team for the last-minute decision, as it cost many their Week 1 matchup.
However, it’s time to move on and plan for Week 2. When will McCaffrey return? Let’s dive into it.
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When Will Christian McCaffrey Return?
UPDATE: McCaffrey (Achilles/calf) has been placed on Injured Reserve. He will miss at least the next four games.
Unfortunately, the superstar running back re-aggravated his calf injury in practice on Friday. San Francisco played it safe with their top player, making him inactive against the Jets. Reportedly, McCaffrey might not play in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings because of the injury.
Adam Schefter offers more details on Christian McCaffrey after "speaking to various 49ers officials."
He adds, "It looks like there's a real strong possibility McCaffrey will not play Sunday against the Vikings as well." #NFL https://t.co/XG632FaAJa pic.twitter.com/kG34jnMHdr
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 9, 2024
Fantasy players should prepare for the superstar running back to miss at least one more game, if not more. Given how Jordan Mason played last night, the 49ers have no reason to rush McCaffrey back onto the field.
Should I Add Jordan Mason?
Mason was outstanding in his first career start. The former Georgia Tech star had 28 rushing attempts for 147 yards and a touchdown against New York, averaging 5.3 yards per attempt. He ended Week 1 as the RB3, scoring 21.7 half-point PPR fantasy points. Only Saquon Barkley and Joe Mixon had more fantasy points at the running back position last week.
It’s your night Jordan Mason #FTTB
📺: #NYJvsSF on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/4IRdbxk2xE— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2024
The former Georgia Tech star is rostered in 59% of Yahoo leagues. Fantasy players should make him their top waiver-wire target this week, especially if they have McCaffrey or are thin at the running back position. Mason showed he could handle the featured workload and produce last night. Don’t be surprised if the 49ers play it safe with McCaffrey and decrease his workload when healthy, giving Mason more touches.
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