CMC ruled out of 49ers’ season opener with calf, Achilles injuries

SANTA CLARA — After Christian McCaffrey went through a couple of practices last week, he brushed aside any questions about his availability being in doubt for the 49ers' 2024 NFL regular-season opener. However, the 49ers had different ideas. McCaffrey was listed among the seven inactive players for the 49ers' game against the New York Jets on Monday night at Levi's Stadium. The star running back was limited in every practice last week with calf and Achilles injuries. "It's not a concern with me," said McCaffrey on Friday. He added that there was no doubt in his mind he would be play against the Jets. In listing McCaffrey as inactive, it is clear the organization does not want to take any chances so early in the season with their versatile star. Coach Kyle Shanahan on Aug. 6 described McCaffrey's injury as a calf strain that was not expected to be a long-term injury. He returned to practice last week after missing a month of practice time. McCaffrey is coming off a season in which he was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He rushed for a league-best 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, while catching 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. He was third in the NFL MVP...