SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Christian McCaffrey, star running back, has been added to the 49ers’ injured list due to a calf issue, according to reports on Thursday night. McCaffrey, who had overcome the preseason without setbacks and without appearing on the Wednesday injury report, participated in a limited way in Thursday’s practice. During the first 20 minutes of practice open to the media, McCaffrey did his usual warm-up and individual exercises. However, he was not present in the locker room after practice and did not do his usual session with the media. The inclusion of McCaffrey in the injury report, specifically for a calf issue, is notable considering what happened before Week 1 of last season. In 2024, McCaffrey missed a large part of training camp due to what was initially described as a calf injury, but was later clarified to be bilateral Achilles tendonitis. Before the first game of the season against the New York Jets, McCaffrey was listed as a limited participant in practice during the week and then as questionable for the game. McCaffrey not only didn’t play against the Jets, but he also missed the following seven games, after being placed on the reserve list due to injury before a Week 2 encounter against the Minnesota Vikings. After a long recovery, which included a trip to Germany to consult a specialist, McCaffrey finally returned on November 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played in four games before suffering a posterior cruciate ligament tear in his right knee against the Buffalo Bills in Week 13. After missing the rest of the season due to that knee injury, McCaffrey returned to the field for the team’s entire offseason program and then during this year’s training camp. Just like in 2023, the Niners limited McCaffrey’s workload during training camp, giving him an extra day off to start each series of three practices.
When asked on Wednesday if there was a moment in the offseason when he realized McCaffrey was “fully recovered,” coach Kyle Shanahan responded:Just trust the plan. They’ve written a very good plan. Just trust it and do everything you can every day to get better.
Christian McCaffrey, July 27
The 49ers’ tight end, George Kittle, who has a locker next to McCaffrey, was asked on Thursday if he could feel McCaffrey’s eagerness to return to action after playing only four games in 2024.I knew Christian was back as soon as he told me he was healthy. You know, you hope the arthritis and everything goes away, which it usually does. He told us that at the beginning of the offseason, so I felt pretty good about it. Christian doesn’t lie. So I didn’t think he would. Then we saw him at the beginning of OTAs, he looked like the guy we’ve always known and he’s continued it.
Kyle Shanahan
He seems very excited. He’s been excited since the OTAs. He’s been excited since the season ended. So yeah, I’m really looking forward to being able to block for him and run routes alongside him again.
George Kittle
