In a twist of fate for the San Francisco 49ers, star running back McCaffrey found himself listed as limited in practice on Wednesday as the team geared up to take on the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
“My mentality is I’m playing this week and that’s where I’m at,” McCaffrey confidently stated. “That’s how I am every week. I’m not lying. I think as soon as a player says, ‘Maybe I’ll play, maybe I won’t,’ that’s not a good mentality to go into a week with when you’re kind of on the fence.”
McCaffrey faced a tough decision regarding his availability for the season opener, deliberating up until game day despite being limited in practice all week due to an injury that had sidelined him for the final four weeks of training camp.
Ultimately, after still feeling off on Monday, the decision was made to hold McCaffrey out of the game. Reflecting on the situation, McCaffrey acknowledged, “It was a group decision, a very tough one. I hate not playing, but I look at it as a chess move something that hopefully you can benefit from the rest of the season.”
The absence of the star running back was compensated for by the strong performance of backup Jordan Mason, who impressed with 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers’ 32-19 victory over the New York Jets.
Mason’s standout performance marked a significant moment as he had the most rushes in a regular-season game for the 49ers since Frank Gore in 2011. McCaffrey, despite not being on the field, expressed his joy and admiration for Mason’s success, stating, “He showed that man. I was so pumped for him, just everything that he’s done all camp. He’s earned that. He’s balled out and it showed.”
Mason’s journey to success was not an easy one, starting as an undrafted free agent and having limited opportunities initially. However, his hard work and determination paid off as he gradually earned the trust and admiration of the coaching staff, particularly running backs coach Bobby Turner.
“Jordan has always had a ton of confidence, since the first day he got here,” shared coach Kyle Shanahan. “The most part is getting used to Bobby coaching him. Realizing that he is not always angry, he just kind of stays that way and kind of learn to appreciate it. I think Jordan has really pushed himself, each year, with the way he’s worked off the field.”
As the Niners navigate the challenges ahead, McCaffrey’s status remains uncertain for the upcoming game, but with Mason stepping up in his absence, the team is well-equipped to face whatever comes their way on the football field.
