The San Francisco 49ers have made the decision to put star running back Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve due to calf tightness and Achilles tendinitis, according to ESPN reports. McCaffrey, 28, will be forced to miss at least the next four games as he continues to deal with the lingering injury.

McCaffrey's absence came as a surprise in the 49ers' recent 32-19 victory over the New York Jets. Initially expected to be ready for the team's opener, he was unexpectedly scratched from the roster. Head coach Kyle Shanahan shared the disappointing update that the team was considering placing McCaffrey on injured reserve, and this decision was ultimately carried out on Saturday.

The running back had been a limited participant in practice throughout the week, but his condition seemed to worsen on Thursday, prompting the discussions about injured reserve. Shanahan explained, "[Thursday] was his worst day. It's on and off, but with yesterday having the most pain. It's something we're going to be discussing together in the next 24 hours."

In McCaffrey's absence, backup running back Jordan Mason took the opportunity to shine in the season opener. Mason impressively rushed for 147 yards and scored a touchdown, averaging 5.3 yards per carry. His outstanding performance provides some reassurance for the team, although McCaffrey's absence will certainly be felt.

Earlier in the week, McCaffrey had expressed confidence in his ability to play, but unfortunately, the team ruled him out for Week 2 and decided to place him on injured reserve. Reflecting on the decision, McCaffrey stated, "My mindset every week is I'm going to play... it was a group decision, a very tough one. I hate not playing, but I look at it as a chess move and something that hopefully you can benefit from the rest of the season."

The 49ers will now have to navigate through the upcoming games without their star running back, facing the challenge of finding alternative offensive strategies to maintain their winning momentum. As they wait for McCaffrey's return, the team will rely on the talents of Jordan Mason and other players to step up and fill the void left by the absence of the superstar running back.

Although it may be a setback for the 49ers, the decision to place McCaffrey on injured reserve demonstrates a proactive approach to prioritize his long-term well-being and maximize his potential impact later in the season. The team remains determined to make the most of this situation and continue their pursuit of success in the coming weeks, despite the temporary loss of one of their key playmakers.