49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was limited in San Francisco practice Thursday with a calf/Achilles strain that has kept him out of training camp and the preseason.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters before practice that the Achilles designation is not new and is related to a calf strain suffered during training camp in early August. He did not express concern about whether McCaffrey would be able to play in Monday’s season-opener against the New York Jets.
McCaffrey and the 49ers have played down the injury throughout training camp. McCaffrey said missing practice on Aug. 9 was a “warning” and that he would be ready to play if the 49ers played that day.
Shanahan said throughout the preseason that he expected McCaffrey to be ready to play in Week 1. McCaffrey returned to practice for the first time on Tuesday and is on track to play Monday night.
McCaffrey, a three-time All-Pro, led the league in rushing (1,459 yards) and scrimmage yards (2,023) in 2023 and tied with Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert for the NFL lead in touchdowns (21). He was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press.
McCaffrey’s dynamic playmaking ability as a runner and pass catcher is essential to the success of San Francisco’s offense. The 49ers enter the season fresh off a Super Bowl appearance and are considered a strong contender to make it back to the Super Bowl in the NFC.
