There probably wasn't much concern inside the San Francisco 49ers building surrounding running back Christian McCaffrey's availability for Sunday's NFC Championship Game matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. When asked about the chances of not playing this weekend, McCaffrey responded, "Zero."
The media has kept an eye on the situation because McCaffrey missed the first two practices this week due to a calf contusion. The running back was back on the practice field on Friday, though, indicating he will be ready to go against the Eagles.
The bad news is that running back Elijah Mitchell, who also missed Wednesday's and Thursday's practices, was not on the field for Friday's session. Mitchell is dealing with a groin injury.
Christian McCaffrey on hand for the start of practice but Elijah Mitchell is not. Wonder if that creates a role for Tevin Coleman. Kyle Shanahan to talk in a little more than an hour.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 27, 2023
The 49ers will issue their official game status reports this afternoon. That's when we'll learn how the team lists McCaffrey and Mitchell for the upcoming playoff game.
San Francisco traded for McCaffrey on October 20, 2022. He has started each of the 49ers' past 12 games, and the team is undefeated in those contests.
McCaffrey registered 1,880 total yards and 13 total touchdowns during the regular season, adding 193 all-purpose yards and two total touchdowns in San Francisco's two playoff games.