Is Christian McCaffrey playing this week? Latest Week 7 injury updates for 49ers vs. Vikings

The 49ers are currently dealing with injuries to some notable players, and Christian McCaffrey's status for Week 7 against the Vikings is in the air.

The fact that San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is in the conversation for NFL MVP this season reveals just how important he is to head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, and in turn, the rest of the Niners as a whole.

So, in the wake of McCaffrey having suffered an oblique/rib injury during San Francisco's Week 6 road loss at the Cleveland Browns, it's understandable why there's significant concern about his availability heading into Week 7's primetime showdown against the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football.

Along with left tackle Trent Williams and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, McCaffrey was one of a number of 49ers who missed the opening slate of practices this week because of injuries.

Fortunately, with the Niners playing a day later than the usual Sunday slate of games, McCaffrey and the rest of his injured teammates will have an extra 24 hours to recover.

Will that be enough time for McCaffrey, though?

Is Christian McCaffrey going to play for 49ers vs. Vikings on Monday?

McCaffrey underwent an MRI during the week amid missing practice on Thursday, and head coach Kyle Shanahan provided some vague-but-promising updates about the All-Pro halfback's status and availability for the Vikings game.

When asked by a reporter if the injury was an oblique strain, Shanahan responded by saying, "I don’t know what it is. It’s something that makes him day-to-day, though."

Shanahan was elusive when pressed about the subject and deferred to McCaffrey having "a chance" when it came to playing on Monday in the wake of a day-to-day injury status.

Meanwhile, speaking on KNBR 680's Murph & Mac Show, general manager John Lynch echoed similar sentiments and stressed the day-to-day designation with some cautioned optimism because of the extra day of rest.

During the week, NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco reported that McCaffrey returning in time for Week 7 would be a "pain tolerance" decision, which is also hopeful:

The official pre-Week 7 injury report won't be listed until Saturday, but it seems as if McCaffrey will likely be listed as questionable for Monday's contest. If he's unable to play, San Francisco would likely platoon backup running backs, Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason.

Stay tuned, as we'll provide updates as they come in.

The Niners and Vikings kick off on Monday, Oct. 23 at 8:15 p.m. ET from US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis.

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