SANTA CLARA – Running back Christian McCaffrey’s calf and Achilles issues made him a game-time scratch before the 49ers’ season opener Monday night, as first reported by this news organization.
McCaffrey, last season’s NFL rushing champion and AP Offensive Player of the Year, was listed as questionable, meaning he had a 50/50 chance of playing. He insisted Friday he had no doubt he would play.
Jordan Mason is in line to make his first career start when the 49ers’ kick off against the New York Jets, on a night in which the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher Frank Gore will be honored at halftime for his induction to the franchise’s hall of fame.
Other running backs available are Patrick Taylor Jr. and rookie Isaac Guerendo.
McCaffrey missed only one previous start since joining the 49ers in a 2022 midseason trade, and that lone absence was January’s regular-season finale against the Rams in which the 49ers rested most starters because the No. 1 seed was already secured for the NFC playoffs.
The 49ers also deactivated safety Talanoa Hufanga, who was doubtful to delay his return from last November’s knee injury. Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Dee Winters were ruled out Saturday, and joining them on the inactive list along with McCaffrey and Hufanga were cornerback Darrell Luter Jr., offensive lineman Ben Bartch and quarterback Joshua Dobbs, who will dress as the emergency option if Brock Purdy and Brandon Allen get hurt.
In other pregame transactions, the 49ers formally activated left tackle Trent Williams off the reserve/did-not-report list and released offensive tackle Brandon Parker. Defensive end Sam Okuayinonu and safety Tracy Walker III were summoned from the practice squad.
Inactive for the Jets: quarterback Max Mitchell, running back Israel Abanikanda, tackle Carter Warren, tight end Brenden Bates, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse and defensive linemen Eric Watts and Leonard Taylor.
Source:: The Mercury News – Entertainment
