Christian McCaffrey has no intention of being a sideline observer when the San Francisco 49ers face the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. The running back is dealing with an oblique injury that forced his exit from Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns. He has been day-to-day since but has not yet practiced this week.
A lack of practice reps may not keep him out of the game, though. According to ESPN's Nick Wagoner, earlier this week, McCaffrey asked his head coach, Kyle Shanahan, not to take anything out of the Week 7 game plan and prepare for the Vikings as if he were going to play, even if he doesn't practice.
"His intent is clear," notes Wagoner.
It guarantees nothing in terms of his availability for Monday night but earlier this week, #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey asked Kyle Shanahan to not take anything out of game plan and to prepare for McCaffrey to play, even if he doesn't take practice reps.
Wagoner and other reporters did get a glimpse of McCaffrey during Friday's practice session. The running back worked with a trainer on a side field while his teammates engaged in on-field activities.
As of now, San Francisco hasn't officially ruled anyone out of the Monday night game. Both wide receiver Deebo Samuel (shoulder) and tackle Trent Williams (ankle) are also ailing and did not participate in Friday's practice.
"We always have to have their health and safety as our primary concern, always will, and make sure that they're safe being out there," general manager John Lynch said during a Friday morning radio interview. "So a lot to factor in, and we'll just kind of let that continue to play out. But I know they're all doing their best to get back out there for their team."
Shanahan praises Pearsall's offseason, confirms Kubiak will call plays vs. Broncos, shares playing time plan for starters
By David Bonilla
Aug 6
There's one offensive player turning heads at San Francisco 49ers training camp—Ricky Pearsall. The second-year wide receiver opened camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to a lingering hamstring injury, but has since returned to practice and looks...
49ers' Christian McCaffrey highlights overlooked aspects of Brock Purdy's game
By David Bonilla
Aug 5
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is quietly having a solid training camp. On Tuesday, he completed 10 of 15 passes, including one touchdown and one interception, while continuing to build chemistry with second-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. The Purdy-to-Pearsall...
Fantasy Draft Guide: Why 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is a Top Pick, Plus Key Strategy Tips
By Jack Stewart
Aug 8
This is the second installment on fantasy drafting. Today it's running backs. (Find my article on wide receivers here.)
There are more good receivers than running backs—and/or there is an earlier and more sustained run on good running backs—so the number of...
NFL writer questions if 49ers' Christian McCaffrey can regain past form
By Eduardo Razo
10 hrs
One key question for the San Francisco 49ers is whether Christian McCaffrey can stay healthy for a full season and return to his 2023 form, when he totaled 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns combined receiving and rushing. However, one CBS Sports NFL writer is...