Christian McCaffrey sidelined for 49ers opener against Jets due to injury

In the season opener on Monday night, the San Francisco 49ers faced the New York Jets without their star running back, Christian McCaffrey, who was sidelined due to injury. Despite his absence, Jordan Mason stepped up significantly, rushing for a career-high 147 yards on 28 carries, including a touchdown. The 49ers' offensive strategy relied heavily on their commitment to the running game, showcasing their depth and ability to adapt under pressure. Tight end George Kittle noted that the team returned to fundamental plays, which proved effective against the Jets' defense. Quarterback Brock Purdy, who had faced scrutiny during training camp, executed the offense efficiently, avoiding turnovers and maintaining control of the game. The offensive line, particularly left tackle Trent Williams, performed admirably, allowing no pressures during pass-blocking snaps. Meanwhile, receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who had missed training camp due to contract negotiations, contributed to the offense as he regained his form. Defensively, the 49ers limited the Jets to just 68 rushing yards, demonstrating their strong defensive capabilities. The team emphasized a one-game-at-a-time mentality throughout the week, which helped them focus and perform well despite the challenges of the offseason and McCaffrey's absence. This victory sent a clear message to the rest of the NFL about the 49ers' resilience and depth. Overall, the 49ers' performance in this game highlighted their ability to win even when not at full strength, raising concerns for other teams in the league about their potential this season.