49ers' Christian McCaffrey Gives Cryptic Update on Week 2 Availability

Chistian McCaffrey has seen his availability be cast in doubt heading into Week 2.

He missed the San Francisco 49ers' season-opener against the New York Jets on Monday night. His status blew up into controversy when head coach Kyle Shanahan did not confirm that he would not play until shortly before the game commenced.

During the game against the Jets, Jordan Mason excelled in McCaffrey's absence. He handled most of the rushing responsibilities, accumulating 147 yards across 28 carries. He notched a touchdown, secured eight first downs, and also completed a five-yard reception, contributing to the 32-19 win.

NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently provided an update on the star running back, saying he is suffering from Achilles tendinitis.

"Christian McCaffrey is a longshot to play this week against the Minnesota Vikings ," Rapoport reported on Wednesday morning, citing conversations he had had with people around the situation.

"The 49ers all thought [he] was going to shake off some tightness that he felt late in the week of practice... He worked out pregame [against the Jets] and it was just not quite right."

It wasn't until Wednesday that McCaffrey publicly gave an update on his status for the team's next game, being cryptic on whether he would be available to play.

"My mentality is I'm playing this week. That's where I'm at. 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," McCaffrey said.

McCaffrey is coming off a stellar 2023 season, having won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award. He amassed 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on 272 rushes. Additionally, he secured 67 receptions for 564 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game.

The 49ers will find out, sooner or later, if McCaffrey will be ready to go for Sunday afternoon's encounter with the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. ET.

Related: NFL Insider Provides Key Injury Update on 49ers' Star RB Christian McCaffrey