SANTA CLARA — The 49ers aren’t quite ready to give Christian McCaffrey the green light to play in Monday’s season opener, after being limited in practice by calf and Achilles issues.
McCaffrey is questionable on an Injury Report while the only 49ers ruled out are defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos and linebacker Dee Winters.
Left guard Aaron Banks (pinky) is also questionable, while safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is doubtful to make his return from last November’s anterior cruciate ligament tear, though he’s made an impressive entry into practices the past two weeks.
Coach Kyle Shanahan declined to elaborate whether McCaffrey will be a game-time decision. Kickoff is set for 5:15 p.m. Monday at Levi’s Stadium against the New York Jets.
McCaffrey strained a calf in the 49ers’ penultimate game last regular season, to which Shanahan said: “I don’t know if they’re related but they’re similar”
As for Hufanga, Shanahan said; “I don’t think it’s necessarily too soon (to play). He’s looked great. We’re trying to be safe and smart with him. We haven’t ruled him out in case there is an emergency situation.”
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) and running back Isaac Guerendo (groin) are off the injury report.
Injuries from the preseason finale will delay the debuts of Gross-Matos (knee) and Winters (ankle). Gross-Matos established himself as the No. 3 defensive end upon his signing from the Carolina Panthers, and the 49ers will look for second-year end Robert Beal Jr. to serve as their top backup behind Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd.
Winters, a sixth-round pick last year, flashed throughout the offseason and camp, but it appears that De’Vondre Campbell will start alongside Fred Warner at linebacker in the base defense.
DEFENSIVE LINE UPGRADES
Bosa noted that he and Kevin Givens are the defensive line’s only holdovers dating back to the 2019 season.
“I really like the new guys and think we’ve improved,” Bosa said. “Leonard brings something to our defense that we haven’t had – a guy who can make plays all over the field and has just a motor where he doesn’t get tired. Having a guy like that who is super long and athletic and can rush and this game is going to bring the best out of him. I’m excited, I really am.”
Although the defensive line bid farewell to Javon Kinlaw (Jets) and Arik Armstead (Jaguars), the additions of Maliek Collins and Jordan Elliott have revamped the interior.
Another reason for Bosa’s optimism is the months-long work from this crux of defensive linemen. Last season, the 49ers scrambled to add reinforcements, such as trading for Chase Young and Randy Gregory in October. “In this scheme the details are very important and if you’re not repping through in July and August, you’ll be behind and it shows in your get-off and how fast you’re playing,” Bosa said. “All those details really count. Kris went out and picked guys who he’s seen jump out and play really well. We’ll be more cohesive as a unit.
NO REDDICK REUNION
Jets coach Robert Saleh called it “fair” to rule out defensive end Haason Reddick, who’s yet to report to the team. Reddick, whose NFC Championship Game sack injured Brock Purdy’s elbow two seasons ago, is entering the final year of his contract ($14.1 million salary) after getting traded in the spring from the Eagles for a third-round pick. “Everyone goes through their own process, and I’ll stand firm that when he gets here – we’re going to welcome him with open arms, we’re going to love him up and he’s going to be part of this football team,” Saleh told Jets reporters.
Pro Bowler Jermain Johnson and Michael Clemons are the Jets’ likely starters at defensive ends, with Will McDonald and Takk McKinley in reserve. Guard Wes Schweitzer (hand) and linebacker Zaire Barnes (ankle) sustained injuries in practice and won’t be available off the Jets’ bench.
SALEH APPRECIATION
Bosa and Fred Warner expressed gratitude to Saleh, their first defensive coordinator during his term from 2017-20 before becoming the Jets’ coach. “He brought me here or had a hand in doing it so I’ll always be thankful,” Bosa said. “He’s a great coach. He worked really well with (defensive line coach) Kris Kocurek and just let Kris do his stuff with us.”
Warner reflected on his 2018 arrival and Saleh’s influence: “I owe a ton to Rob. I wouldn’t call him Robert. Coach Saleh, as I know him. He means so much to me from the moment I stepped in the building, from (pre-draft) visit, showing confidence in me as a player and then obviously to give me the nod as the Mike backer in my rookie year. That takes a lot of guts to give a rookie that power.
“But I’m so happy for him and his success,” Warner added. “I hope he’s not very successful Monday night of course, but man, I owe a lot to him. Just right there with DeMeco (Ryans); he and coach Saleh were huge in my development.”
