With Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, the 49ers will lean on Jordan Mason and a trio of running backs against the Vikings, while safety Tracy Walker III is elevated for defensive depth.
BollywoodFever: The San Francisco 49ers will move forward without star running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been placed on injured reserve due to calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis.
McCaffrey’s injury sidelines him for at least the next four games, leaving the 49ers with an open roster spot they have yet to fill.
In McCaffrey’s absence, the team will rely heavily on Jordan Mason, who impressed with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 49ers’ Week 1 victory over the New York Jets.
Mason will lead the running back group against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, supported by rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor, the latter recently signed from the practice squad.
Guerendo, a fourth-round pick from Louisville, is expected to see more action after battling a hamstring injury through training camp.
Although he played sparingly in Week 1, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed confidence in the rookie’s readiness. “It seemed like the game wasn’t too big for him even in that moment,” Shanahan said, referencing Guerendo’s performance in the preseason finale against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Deebo Samuel, who often serves as a versatile offensive weapon, could also be deployed from the backfield, having notched 23 yards and a touchdown on eight carries in Week 1.
On the defensive side, the 49ers have once again elevated veteran safety Tracy Walker III from the practice squad to bolster their secondary.
With Talanoa Hufanga listed as doubtful as he recovers from ACL surgery, George Odum will remain the starting safety alongside Ji’Ayir Brown.
The 49ers hope to maintain momentum and secure another win as they face the Vikings, with Mason leading the charge in McCaffrey’s absence.
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