Shanahan: 49ers not considering IR stint for McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers aren't considering placing running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Wednesday, according to the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch.

McCaffrey was a surprise inactive for Monday night's game due to calf and Achilles injuries. The 28-year-old was limited in each practice last week and will be a limited participant Wednesday, Shanahan said, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

McCaffrey said he's approaching this week with the attitude that he will play in the team's road matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.

"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 said Wednesday, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. "So for me, I'm ready to go."

The Stanford product won Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 after rushing for 14 touchdowns and a league-best 1,459 yards. He added another 564 yards and seven scores as a receiver to pace the NFL in scrimmage yards and touchdowns.

Jordan Mason started in McCaffrey's place in Week 1, rushing for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries in the team's win over the New York Jets. He's expected to continue leading the Niners' backfield if McCaffrey misses more time.