Many fans were shocked to hear that San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was not available for Monday’s season opener against the New York Jets.
McCaffrey was a last-minute addition to the inactive list, missing the game due to a calf/Achilles injury, which made many individuals doubt the 49ers’ offense.
One of those individuals was former Philadelphia Eagles star and current ESPN analyst Jason Kelce, who voiced his opinion that McCaffery’s absence would have a huge impact on the Niners.
Jason Kelce Admits Mistake After 49ers Dominate Jets
During Kelce’s debut appearance on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” he said: “I think there are so many design things in the game because of his ability to do a lot right. He can be in the backfield, come out wide — not only [be] out there, he’s dynamic out there.
“I think that this will probably limit some of the really exotic looks that [Kyle] Shanahan has come into this game with. But they probably did have something in place in 20 if this happens. But I do think this offense is so predicated [on McCaffrey] … All the misdirection, all the play-actions, that opens it all up. And if that isn’t there today, it just makes it hard.”
However, backup running back Jordan Mason took the reins and rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries, helping the 49ers beat the Jets 32-19.
It didn’t take too long for Kelce to go back and admit his analysis didn’t age well.
Welp, this aged about as well as warm milk https://t.co/sb5qRKDgZ3
— Jason Kelce (@JasonKelce) September 10, 2024
Soon after the game ended in the 49ers’ favor, the former Eagles star tweeted: “Welp, this aged about as well as warm milk.”
Will McCaffrey Play Against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2?
McCaffrey was expected to play against the Jets in Week 1, but then he was listed as inactive shortly before kickoff.
While Adam Schefter voiced his concerns over McCaffrey’s availability in Week 2 and said that there is a “real chance” he won’t be playing against the Minnesota Vikings, 49ers tight end George Kittle expressed optimism about the star RB’s return.
“When Christian’s back next week, you’ll see some of those fun plays,” Kittle said. “You’re going to see the offensive MVP go out there and be a really good football player again.”
While Mason stepped up for the 49ers, McCaffery is a crucial part of Shanahan’s offense, and fans are certainly hoping their star running back makes a quick recovery.
Jason Kelce’s Regular Season Broadcast Debut
Kelce’s first appearance on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown” was both a hit and a miss.
While fans loved his analysis thanks to his bucketload of football knowledge, the former Eagles star found himself in a bit of a situation.
While Kelce was just getting comfortable in his new gig, Scott Van Pelt revealed that the retired NFL star forgot his outfit in the truck and had to make a last-minute run to the mall.
Kelce took the opportunity to show off his weight loss and said, “It fits my belly now — I’ve lost a little bit of weight. But my t**s are still struggling.”
Fans loved Kelce’s new avatar and couldn’t stop raving about how he was meant to be for this job.
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One fan said: “Jason Kelce is so funny. He’s meant for TV,” while another said, “he’s such a troll.”
It’s safe to say the former Eagles star did what he does best on his first show as an analyst in the regular season: entertain the fans.