San Francisco 49ers star running back, Christian McCaffrey, reportedly has a slight tear in his oblique. Ari Meirov, of The 33rd Team, was the first to pass along the news this morning, as well as Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. Glazer said that McCaffrey is dealing with a "slight little tear" in his oblique, but he's still expected to play on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings.
#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a "slight little tear" in his oblique, but he's still expected to play on Monday night against the Minnesota Vikings, per @JayGlazer. pic.twitter.com/9sAGYF0sNG
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 22, 2023
McCaffrey left the game last Sunday in the loss to the Cleveland Browns, with what was called a rib and oblique injury. The severity of the injury was not initially known, but an MRI on Monday left to door open to the possibility of McCaffrey playing in his team's next game. Nick Wagoner, of ESPN, reported that earlier in the week, McCaffrey asked Kyle Shanahan to not take anything out of the game plan and to prepare for him to play, even if he doesn't take practice reps.
On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, "all signs point to 49ers' RB Christian McCaffrey playing Monday night at Minnesota, despite the fact that he is listed as questionable due to an oblique injury, per sources. McCaffrey returned to practice in a limited way Saturday and said after that he 'feels great.'"
All signs point to 49ers' RB Christian McCaffrey playing Monday night at Minnesota, despite the fact that he is listed as questionable due to an oblique injury, per sources. McCaffrey returned to practice in a limited way Saturday and said after that he feels "great."
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 22, 2023
McCaffrey reportedly said he "feels great" multiple times during the week. Despite how he feels, his intention to play was never in doubt. The only question is whether or not his injury could get worse by playing. Matt Maoiocco, of NBC Sports Bay Area, said on Tuesday, "As I understand it, Christian McCaffrey's injury is more of a pain-tolerance thing. The extra day helps." If that's the case, and the injury can't be made worse, then McCaffrey would be the one to make the decision about whether or not he plays.
As I understand it, Christian McCaffrey's injury is more of a pain-tolerance thing. The extra day helps. At this point, it's not out of the question McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel and Trent Williams can all be available for MNF vs. the Vikings. https://t.co/A0Dpu3Ny4m
— Matt Maiocco (Threads @maiocconbcs) (@MaioccoNBCS) October 17, 2023
When McCaffrey left the game on Sunday, running backs Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason filled in for him. Mitchell ran the ball two times for -3 yards, but Mason ran the ball well, gaining 27 yards on only five carries. Mason also added a 4th quarter touchdown.
According to Glazer, McCaffrey is expected to have a somewhat similar load to what he normally has. What that means, as far as snap count and usage, remains to be seen. If McCaffrey is unable to carry the load he normally carries, who might be his primary backup? Shanahan talked early in the week like Mitchell would be the starter. "I mean, Elijah's earned a ton with us over these years," Shanahan said. "I think Elijah, when he's been healthy, has been as good of a back as there is. He's just had a hard time staying healthy.
"But I also can't take away anything from JP [Mason]. I mean, every time JP's got his opportunities, you guys see how he's done. So both of those guys have done very well."
Kyle Shanahan praised Jordan Mason's play on Sunday. But it sounded that Elijah Mitchell, not Mason, would be in the lead role should Christian McCaffrey miss Monday's game. #fantasy
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) October 16, 2023
For the 49ers and McCaffrey, the focus appears to be on getting healthy and bouncing back from the season's first loss. The 49ers have already ruled out Deebo Samuel for Monday night and have listed Trent Williams as doubtful. For a team that has been relatively healthy all season, injuries are beginning to mount.
It sounds as if McCaffrey plans to play. And he will attempt to add to his streak of scoring at least one touchdown in 15 consecutive games.
- Marc Adams
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Written by:Speaker. Writer. Covering the San Francisco 49ers. Host of the 49ers Camelot show.
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