Two key factors will help 49ers withstand CMC’s IR stint

MINNEAPOLIS — Coach Kyle Shanahan hinted on Friday that the 49ers were considering placing Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve, and on Saturday, San Francisco reportedly will make it a reality. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year will miss at least four games and will not be eligible to return to practice until Week 6 at the earliest, when the 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. "It's something we're considering now," Shanahan said on Friday after practice. "Yesterday 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 here in the next 24 hours." McCaffrey has been dealing with a calf strain, and maybe more significantly, Achilles tendonitis since the beginning of training camp in July. The All-Pro shared Wednesday that the injury is not related to the calf strain that placed him on injury reports towards the end of 2023. McCaffrey seemed confident that he would play this Sunday's contest with the Minnesota Vikings, but Shanahan ruled him out Friday. While losing McCaffrey for any time is not ideal, this might be the best portion of the season for the 49ers to be without one if its top...