49ers Injury News: NFL finds no violations with Christian McCaffrey

Did the San Francisco 49ers violate the NFL’s injury report policy when they made Christian McCaffrey inactive Monday? Even after running back Jordan Mason said he was starting on Friday? The league says “no.”

Friday afternoon, per several reporters, the NFL responded tot he growing questions on if the 49ers violated injury report protocol.

That should put an end to it.

The issue was raised during a postgame interview with Mason Monday night after the 49ers’ win over the New York Jets. Mason said he knew he was starting on Friday. 49ers starting running back Christian McCaffrey was listed as “questionable,” and many thought he would play, albeit with a smaller workload.

Moments before the game Monday, McCaffrey was deactivated. Mason was the starter.

The surprise deactivation had two concerns from different perspectives: from a league perspective, it was questioned as a possible competitive advantage the 49ers may have (by making teams gameplan for McCaffrey); from a gambling/sports betting perspective, it was seen as something shady to bettors making their wagers thinking McCaffrey would play.

What was known was McCaffrey was “questionable.” Questionable means a player is not guaranteed to play. Perhaps following that designation, the coaching staff went to Mason and said, “You’re starting. McCaffrey will spell you, but you are getting the lion’s share.”

Or, as others have pointed out, simply, “anytime your name could be called, be ready.” Or (the more likely answer) this whole thing is being blown out of proportion.

Whether it was to avoid another episode or it was just more obvious from his practice Thursday, the 49ers said McCaffrey will not play on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.