Christian McCaffrey Suddenly Ruled Out For 'MNF' Season Opener

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been ruled out for the team's 'Monday Night Football' season opener against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium, the team announced about an hour before kickoff.

McCaffrey, 28, was expected to start despite missing the majority of training camp due to calf and Achilles injuries. Third-year running back Jordan Mason will start at running back in McCaffrey's absence.

McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, signed to a two-year extension in June, making him the highest-paid player at his position and keeping him on the Niners' roster through the 2027 NFL season.

"Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey once again has reset the RB market, signing a two-year extension with the 49ers, averaging $19 million per year, per sources. McCaffrey will receive an additional $8 million over what he was scheduled to make in the first two years while adding $24 million in guarantees. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by WME Football," ESPN 's Adam Schefter reported at the time .

McCaffrey was acquired by the 49ers in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers midway through the 2022 NFL season and has since recorded 2,711 rushing yards, 1,241 receiving yards and 39 total touchdowns in 22 games. The former Stanford standout recorded an NFL-best 1,459 rushing yards on 272 carries, 67 receptions for 564 yards and 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving) during the 2023 season, which resulted in a Super Bowl LVIII overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February.