Christian McCaffrey 'Would Have Played' if it was the Playoffs

In a surprising turn of events, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey was ruled out just before the Monday Night Football game started between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Jets. The former Stanford running back was said to have been a full-go all week leading up to the game, but that was not the case, as he was ruled out.

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has been dealing with a calf/Achilles issue leading up to the start of the 2024 season, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said he should be fine moving forward.

"I definitely believe if it was a playoff game he would have played," Shanahan said, according to Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle.

According to the Athletic's Matt Barrows, Shanahan said the injury is "similar" to the calf strain the running back suffered in Week 17 of the 2023 campaign.

McCaffrey led the NFL with over 2,000 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns last season, and he's solidified his position as the best running back in the league.

The 49ers won't rush McCaffrey back from the injury if he isn't 100% healthy, and their top priority is to make sure he's in good shape for the postseason as they vie for another trip to the Super Bowl.

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