49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was unable to participate in San Francisco’s practice on Thursday due to a calf and Achilles injury, sidelining training camp and preseason.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters before practice that the Achilles designation was nothing new and was related to a calf injury he suffered during training camp in early August. He did not express any concern about McCaffrey’s availability for Monday’s season opener against the New York Jets.
McCaffrey and the 49ers downplayed the injury as minor throughout training camp. McCaffrey said on Aug. 9 that his absence from practice was “prudent” and that if the 49ers had a game that day, he would be ready to play.
Shanahan has indicated during preseason that he expects McCaffrey to be ready to play in Week 1. McCaffrey returned to practice for the first time on Tuesday, putting him on track to play Monday night.
McCaffrey, a three-time All-Pro, led the league in rushing (1,459 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2,023) in 2023 and tied for the NFL lead in touchdowns (21) with Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert. He was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
McCaffrey’s dynamic playmaking skills as a runner and pass catcher are essential to the success of San Francisco’s offense. The 49ers enter the season on the heels of a Super Bowl appearance and are on the short list of favorites to advance to the Super Bowl again from the NFC.
