Christian McCaffrey's calf injury and Achilles tendinitis will sideline him for Sunday's game, forcing the San Francisco 49ers to consider placing him on injured reserve. The team is hopeful that additional rest will help him recover fully. In the meantime, third-year running back Jordan Mason will continue to fill in, impressing with his performance in the previous game.

Why it matters: McCaffrey's absence significantly impacts the 49ers' running game and offensive strategy.

• He is a versatile playmaker who contributes both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield.
• McCaffrey's absence places more pressure on the rest of the offense to step up and compensate for his production.

What to watch: The team's decision regarding placing McCaffrey on injured reserve and the potential impact on his availability for future games.

• Placing him on injured reserve would mean missing at least four more games, affecting the team's long-term plans for managing his injuries.

Yes, but: The 49ers have capable backup options at the running back position.

• Jordan Mason has shown promise and could provide solid production while McCaffrey recovers.
• Other players like Deebo Samuel, Isaac Guerendo, and Patrick Taylor Jr. may also contribute to the running game.

John Lynch on injured reserve consideration: The team is assessing all options and will do what is best for McCaffrey and the team.

• Placing him on injured reserve would allow for an extended recovery period, ensuring he returns to full health before returning to action.

Chris Foerster on Jordan Mason's performance: Mason continues to improve and showcase his abilities as a tough and hard-running back.

• His impressive performance in the previous game gives the 49ers confidence in his ability to step up in McCaffrey's absence.

What's next: The 49ers will closely monitor McCaffrey's progress and evaluate his condition before making any further decisions.

• The team will continue to rely on their backup options in the running game as they navigate through McCaffrey's absence.

The bottom line: Losing McCaffrey is a blow to the 49ers' offense, but they have capable backups who can step in and contribute. It remains to be seen how long McCaffrey's recovery will take and whether he will be placed on injured reserve. The team's focus now shifts to maximizing the potential of their remaining running backs and adjusting their offensive game plan accordingly.

Christian McCaffrey's calf injury and Achilles tendinitis will sideline him for Sunday's game, forcing the San Francisco 49ers to consider placing him on injured reserve. The team is hopeful that additional rest will help him recover fully. In the meantime, third-year running back Jordan Mason will continue to fill in, impressing with his performance in the previous game.

Why it matters: McCaffrey's absence significantly impacts the 49ers' running game and offensive strategy.

• He is a versatile playmaker who contributes both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield.
• McCaffrey's absence places more pressure on the rest of the offense to step up and compensate for his production.

What to watch: The team's decision regarding placing McCaffrey on injured reserve and the potential impact on his availability for future games.

• Placing him on injured reserve would mean missing at least four more games, affecting the team's long-term plans for managing his injuries.

Yes, but: The 49ers have capable backup options at the running back position.

• Jordan Mason has shown promise and could provide solid production while McCaffrey recovers.
• Other players like Deebo Samuel, Isaac Guerendo, and Patrick Taylor Jr. may also contribute to the running game.

John Lynch on injured reserve consideration: The team is assessing all options and will do what is best for McCaffrey and the team.

• Placing him on injured reserve would allow for an extended recovery period, ensuring he returns to full health before returning to action.

Chris Foerster on Jordan Mason's performance: Mason continues to improve and showcase his abilities as a tough and hard-running back.

• His impressive performance in the previous game gives the 49ers confidence in his ability to step up in McCaffrey's absence.

What's next: The 49ers will closely monitor McCaffrey's progress and evaluate his condition before making any further decisions.

• The team will continue to rely on their backup options in the running game as they navigate through McCaffrey's absence.

The bottom line: Losing McCaffrey is a blow to the 49ers' offense, but they have capable backups who can step in and contribute. It remains to be seen how long McCaffrey's recovery will take and whether he will be placed on injured reserve. The team's focus now shifts to maximizing the potential of their remaining running backs and adjusting their offensive game plan accordingly.