Niners Superstar Unlikely to Play vs Vikings

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Minnesota Vikings week two opponent Christian McCaffrey - San Francisco 49ers
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings play against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. But first, those same Niners are playing the New York Jets, tonight, on Monday Night Football. Earlier, it was reported that a calf injury will hold San Fran’s superstar running back, Christian McCaffrey, out of the opener.

San Francisco 49ers likely without Christian McCaffrey vs Minnesota Vikings

But right before kickoff on Monday, Adam Schefter (ESPN) added another layer to the story. Yes, McCaffrey will miss tonight’s contest vs the Jets. But according to Schefty, his calf/achilles injury isn’t expected to be ready by Sunday vs the Vikings, either.

“Not only is Christian McCaffrey out tonight, but there’s a real chance he’s not going to play on Sunday, either. They play on the road, at Minnesota, on turf, in a shorter week. So, he’s inactive tonight, and it looks like there’s a real strong possibility McCaffrey will not play Sunday against the Vikings, as well.”

Adam Schefter – Monday Night Countdown (ESPN)

After struggling to stay healthy during his last couple seasons in Carolina, Christian McCaffrey has been mostly available for the 49ers, since they traded for him mid-season, back in 2022. In his first full season with the Niners, he put up his best year yet.

What would the Niners be losing without McCaffrey?

The former Stanford star piled up 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground last year. He added another 564 yards and 7 touchdowns receiving. Those numbers earned McCaffrey AP Offensive Player of the Year.

He also finished 3rd in MVP voting and, obviously, was named 1st Team All-Pro. We wish the best of luck to McCaffrey, in his recovery. The NFL is a better place when he is healthy.

Related: Vikings Update on Jordan Addison Injury Seems Positive

But when we look at this injury update, and how it affects the Minnesota Vikings’ chances of winning next Sunday, there is no doubt this moves the needle toward the purple, in a big way. Probably more than any other Niner absence could.

Yes, Brock Purdy has had an insane start to his career, given where he was drafted back in 2022. But take Christian McCaffrey away, and send Brian Flores after him… we’ll see how he and the Niners offensive line holds up.

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