MINNEAPOLIS — Running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to play through an oblique injury tonight for the 49ers, who’ve called up Chris Conley from the practice squad to help cover the absence of Deebo Samuel.

McCaffrey is listed as questionable, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the NFL’s leading rusher would play in the ESPN-televised game that kicks off locally at 7:15 p.m. CT.  McCaffrey has started has scored in a franchise-record 15 consecutive games, two shy of Lenny Moore’s NFL record. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported Sunday that McCaffrey is dealing with a slight tear to his oblique.

Left tackle Trent Williams is expected to miss his first game of the season because of a right-ankle injury in the 49ers’ last game, a 19-17 loss at Cleveland last Sunday. Jaylon Moore figures to start in Williams’ place.

Conley made his 49ers’ debut in their Week 3 home opener, with the sixth-year veteran playing nine snaps (no catches) in that win. Samuel was ruled out Saturday after a CT scan revealed a hairline fracture to his left shoulder.

The 49ers (5-1) called up from the practice squad is cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles, who’s appeared in two previous games and is mainly used on special teams.

The Vikings (2-4) elevated wide receiver Trishton Jackson and linebacker Luiji Vilain from their practice squad.

LONGEST LOSING STREAK

Minnesota is 1-of-7 NFL cities the 49ers have not won under Shanahan, and, if that changes tonight, it would end the franchise’s longest losing streak in any city. The 49ers have lost six consecutive visits since its last win, in 1992.

They’ve lost their last five at Kansas City since a 1982 win there, and their last four in Cleveland since 1984. The 49ers are 0-3 against the Ravens in Baltimore, where they did beat the Colts in their last meeting there, in 1969.

The 49ers have yet to play in Buffalo under Shanahan, losing once (2016) since their last win in 2008. Miami has won the 49ers’ last two visits since their 1995 road win. Tennessee is the only other site they haven’t won under Shanahan, having lost in 2021 in the 49ers’ first trip since their 2013 win.

Next season, the 49ers are scheduled to visit: Minnesota, Buffalo, Miami, and Green Bay, plus its three NFC West counterparts and the team that finishes with a corresponding record in the NFC South.

Related Articles

• San Francisco 49ers |
  49ers’ 5 keys to beating Vikings and avoiding second straight road loss
• San Francisco 49ers |
  49ers’ McCaffrey questionable but `feels great,’ Samuel has fractured shoulder, Williams unlikely to face Vikings
• San Francisco 49ers |
  What happens to the 49ers if the stars don’t come out Monday night?
• San Francisco 49ers |
  49ers roundup: Brock Purdy’s bounce-back approach; McCaffrey’s side work; Greenlaw returns
• San Francisco 49ers |
  Kurtenbach: The 49ers’ biggest weakness is now impossible to miss