The San Francisco 49ers will be without star running back Christian McCaffrey for an extended period due to a calf and Achilles injury, with the possibility of placing him on injured reserve. Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated that McCaffrey's condition worsened recently, raising concerns about his recovery time, which may stretch beyond a few weeks. McCaffrey's absence is significant given his crucial role in the team's offense, where they average 6.8 yards per play with him compared to 5.3 without him. In the meantime, backup Jordan Mason has stepped up, showcasing his potential with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in the season opener against the New York Jets. Experts have warned that rushing McCaffrey back could risk further injury, particularly with the nature of his Achilles tendinitis. As the 49ers navigate this challenge, they will rely on other offensive weapons to maintain competitiveness while prioritizing McCaffrey's long-term health.