Latest injury news on 49ers All-Pro star is absolutely dreadful

The 49ers are poised to be without Christian McCaffrey for even longer than originally anticipated.

The San Francisco 49ers probably wish they kept All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey completely out of all football activities for even longer than they attempted to leading up to the regular season and even through the week entering their Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings.

McCaffrey, who was dealing with calf and Achilles issues during training camp, missed Week 1's game against the New York Jets. But, as the week's practices wound down, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the reigning Offensive Player of the Year would be ruled out of Sunday's contest in Minnesota.

Shanahan didn't rule out placing McCaffrey on injured reserve either.

A report from ESPN's Adam Schefter said the Niners would put McCaffrey on IR, which would mean he would be out a minimum of four weeks in addition to missing Week 1's game already.

However, the latest report is even worse for San Francisco.

Christian McCaffrey could miss 6 weeks or more

On Sunday, just before the early slate of games, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported McCaffrey's injury absence could be notably longer than the initially anticipated four weeks.

According to the report, McCaffrey could be out six weeks, perhaps longer:

That's awful news for the defending NFC champions, who'll be forced to rely heavily on backup running back Jordan Mason, who churned out 147 yards and a touchdown in the 49ers' Week 1 victory.

Ideally, though, the Niners would have a fully healthy McCaffrey back in the fray right now as they look to get back to the Super Bowl.

Because of the injury, San Francisco has to think long term with the hope Mason can shoulder the load.

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