Christian McCaffrey won't be playing tonight in the preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans as he manages a calf strain. While this might raise concerns, McCaffrey has reassured fans that it's nothing serious.
"Yeah, I feel great. Very cautionary stuff," McCaffrey said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "If we had a game, I would play, but just trying to be smart right now. But still training, still getting a bunch of work in, so that come Week 1, we're ready to roll."
McCaffrey isn't expected to see any preseason action. He's not the only 49ers running back dealing with an injury. Rookie Isaac Guerendo is sidelined with a hamstring issue that could keep him out for most, if not all, of the preseason.
Veteran Elijah Mitchell is also nursing a hamstring injury, though his is less severe. However, he won't suit up against the Titans.
According to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, the 49ers might also limit Jordan Mason's playing time tonight. This could leave undrafted rookie Cody Schrader, who has impressed during training camp, and Matt Breida, who returned to where his NFL journey began, to handle the bulk of the carries in the preseason opener.
Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell and Isaac Guerendo will not play tonight. And I'm not sure the 49ers will want Jordan Mason to see a lot of action. So undrafted rookie Cody Schrader (All-SEC at Missouri) figures to get a lot of touches.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) August 10, 2024
Patrick Taylor and recently-signed Ke'Shawn Vaughn are also options in the 49ers' backfield.
This week, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that most starters won't see action against the Titans.
"[W]e don't plan on many of the starters to play," Shanahan said. "I know some guys will have to, but for the most part, starters shouldn't be in much, if at all."