The NFL’s leading rusher in 2023 remains out indefinitely, with Christian McCaffery nursing Achilles tendonitis in both legs.

As for the NFL’s leading rusher in 2024, Jordan Mason has a sprained AC joint in his left shoulder, so it’s not a serious injury, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan didn’t say he would be ready to play on Oct. 20 against the Kansas City Chiefs to play. at Levi’s Stadium.

McCaffrey, who had 1,459 yards receiving last season, is on injury reserve and will not practice next week, although Shanahan said he is “continuing to improve.” Mason’s availability will be determined after three days off and a week of practice.

“We take it as good news, but that doesn’t guarantee he’ll be ready to play,” Shanahan said Friday in his weekly day-after chat with local writers. “It was positive that it wasn’t worse than that.”

Mason had 73 yards on nine carries in a 36-24 win over the Seahawks Thursday night, giving him 609 yards on 114 carries through six games. Going into Sunday’s games, it leads the NFL in rushing, although Baltimore’s Derrick Henry is right behind with 572. He was injured with 9:38 left in the half when he landed heavily on his shoulder after a 14-yard gain when he was hit by safety Julian Love.

Mason left the game but returned in the second half with his left shoulder taped and gained eight yards on the first carry of the third quarter. He moved awkwardly after the carry, but left the game and did not return.

In Mason’s absence, rookie Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor Jr. in the field and the 49ers finished with 228 yards rushing, including a burst of 76 yards from Guerendo as the 49ers put the game away.

“I thought they both did really well,” Shanahan said. “We really haven’t regretted it for a second. They hit the right holes, ran hard, were prepared and didn’t hesitate when they got their opportunities.”

Although McCaffrey is not yet ready to practice, Shanahan said the 49ers expect to open the 21-day practice period for Ricky Pearsall Jr., who was placed on the non-football injured list in the first round since suffering a chest injury during the game was shot. a robbery attempt on August 31.

Pearsall is unlikely to be activated for the Chiefs game.

“Most likely, I think it would be a longer ramp-up period,” Shanahan said. “As far as his health is concerned, he is completely ready to go. But I won’t decide until I see him practice. We’re not going to rush it or anything. If he’s ready, he’s ready, and if not, we still have a few weeks.”

The 49ers could also be in the market for a new place kicker, as Matthew Wright suffered a dislocated shoulder while trying to make a tackle on a 37-yard kickoff return from Dee Williams. Shanahan said the shoulder had been moved into place, but an MRI would reveal the extent of the damage.

Wright won the job last week during a tryout with three other kickers when Jake Moody lost to a high ankle sprain — also while making a tackle on a kickoff return. He went 3-for-3 on field goal attempts against Seattle.

Rookie safety Malik Mustapha, who opened Thursday’s game with an interception before suffering an ankle sprain, is day-to-day, Shanahan said Friday.

Shanahan said cornerback Charvarius Ward (knee) and defensive tackle Jordan Elliott (knee), who were inactive against Seattle, were everyday. It is hoped that linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (calf) will begin practicing this week.

SHORT JUDGMENTS

65: Right guard Colton McKivitz and center Jake Brendel were among four who played every offensive snap (Puni and Purdy were the others). Both took their share of the heat, but they opened the gap allowing Guerendo to burst for 76 yards to put the game on ice. as well as on Kyle Juszczyk’s 6-yard run.

62: Brandon Aiyuk played nine more snaps than Samuel and was targeted by Purdy four times with two receptions for 37 yards. His presence drew attention, allowing Samuel to be alone for a 76-yard touchdown.

59: Maliek Collins, in part because Jordan Elliott (knee) was inactive, played 59 snaps – the most since he had 60 in Week 3 of the 2018 season for Dallas. He had just one tackle and one quarterback hit, but was notable for penetrating the middle of Seattle’s offensive line.

58: George Odum, who opened the season as the starter, was forced into action with Talanoa Hufanga on IR and Mustapha was injured after 20 snaps. Had six tackles, broke up a pass at the goal line, had an extra pass defended and also carried a special teams load with 20 extra snaps.