SANTA CLARA, Calif. – San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said that All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey could have played in the 49ers’ opener if it had been a playoff game. However, the team decided to hold him out to ensure that his Achilles tendinitis did not worsen into a more serious issue.

The unexpected decision to keep McCaffrey out of Monday night’s 32-19 win against the New York Jets surprised many, especially fantasy football players who had drafted him with high expectations.

McCaffrey was listed as questionable on the injury report but expressed his intention to play before the game. The situation became more confusing when Jordan Mason, who filled in for McCaffrey, claimed he was informed on Friday that he would start.

Shanahan clarified that the decision to bench McCaffrey was made on Monday, and he had only instructed Mason to be prepared for a heavier workload due to McCaffrey’s injury.

The NFL often investigates potential violations of injury reporting rules and may impose fines if a team is found to have circumvented the protocol. The league declined to comment specifically on McCaffrey’s case.

Despite McCaffrey being day-to-day, Shanahan defended the choice to rest him in the opener, emphasizing the importance of managing his Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey, known for his diligence, believed he could have played in a playoff game but understood the caution exercised during Week 1.

Mason stepped up in McCaffrey’s absence and delivered an impressive performance with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in the 49ers’ victory.

McCaffrey, the NFL leader in yards from scrimmage last season, faces uncertainties about his availability in the upcoming games as he continues to recover from his injury.

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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.

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