A sore ankle and a lengthy history of injuries have left San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey questionable for Sunday’s season opener in Seattle.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey hurt himself at Thursday’s practice, although the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year downplayed the seriousness of the injury when speaking to reporters.
Instead, he explained, the team is just being cautious due to his recent injury history, adding that he expects to play against the Seahawks.
‘Nothing serious, I’ll tell you that,’ McCaffrey said. ‘Like I said, I feel great about where I’m at. Unfortunately when you have the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don’t practice, things get blown out of proportion. But like I said, I feel great.’
McCaffrey’s history with calf issues is well documented. He sat during last year’s training camp due to a similar injury before missing the 2024 opener with bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
He ultimately sought help from a specialist in German before missing the next seven games. In the end, McCaffrey played in only four games before going down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 13.
McCaffrey is a former NFL Offensive Player of the Year and a three-time All-Pro running back
A year ago, McCaffrey married former Miss Universe, Olivia Culpo (pictured here in 2020)
McCaffrey, who married former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo last year, was expected to be the focal point of the 49ers offense this season as receiver Brandon Aiyuk continues to recover from the knee injury that ended his 2024 season.
Furthermore, the team traded receiver Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders over the offseason, leaving Brock Purdy with Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Marquez Valdes-Scantling at the position.
Fortunately for the 49ers, they did add former Washington running back Brian Robinson Jr. in exchange for a sixth-round pick, giving San Francisco some much needed depth in the backfield.
San Francisco also has running back Isaac Guerendo, who had an impressive rookie season 2024, gaining 420 yards and four touchdowns on 84 carries.
‘Brian knows the game plan,’ Shanahan said. ‘He got it in this week. You don’t have to know an entire offense. You got to know what the plan is this week and he’s repped at it. So that’s the situation, we’re good to go with it, he’s ready for it and I know Isaac will be also.’
