Christian McCaffrey surprisingly absent for 49ers-Jets

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The 49ers were without star running back Christian McCaffrey for Monday night's game against the Jets.

McCaffrey was surprisingly not used before the game. The 28-year-old was struggling with a calf strain that cost him four weeks of training camp, but he was back in training and should play.

The 49ers said this week that he had a calf/Achilles injury, which caused some confusion, but McCaffrey told reporters Friday that his calf feels “a lot better” and his Achilles is “no concern for me.”

McCaffrey said he had no doubts he would play against the Jets. Jordan Mason was expected to make his first career start in place of McCaffrey, who is the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year and rushing champion.

McCaffrey had 1,459 rushing yards on 272 carries and 14 rushing touchdowns. He also had 564 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

The Jets have talked all week about preparing for McCaffrey. While the 49ers have many talented offensive players, McCaffrey is the undisputed top weapon for San Francisco