"I will say this cautiously," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on Friday morning. "Here is what I would tell you: I do not get the sense, based on the conversations I've had so far, that there are alarm bells going off about Christian McCaffrey at this point. If there is any player you are going to take precautions with, if he feels something in practice, it's the guy who's arguably your best player and missed most of last season because of a variety of different ailments."
While Pelissero's words provide reassurance, fans' concerns are understandable. McCaffrey suffered a calf injury during training camp last year that developed into bilateral Achilles tendinitis, forcing him to miss the first eight games of the season. He appeared in just four contests, struggling to regain his 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year form, before a PCL injury sidelined him for the final five games.
Pelissero acknowledged the potential risks, given McCaffrey's injury history.
"We also know that calf injuries can be tricky," Pelissero added. "At times, they are precursors to Achilles injuries. McCaffrey had issues with both his Achilles last year. Again, I do not get the sense that this is DEFCON 1 at this point, but the 49ers will be back out on the field this afternoon. Kyle Shanahan will address the media. We'll get a better sense about what, if anything, McCaffrey is going to be available to do when they kick off the season on Sunday against the Seahawks."
The 49ers are scheduled to practice at 12:35 p.m. on Friday. Head coach Kyle Shanahan will hold his final press conference before Week 1 approximately an hour later, when he is expected to provide the latest update on McCaffrey's status.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers buzz: NFL insider predicts strong trade market for QB Mac Jones
Several quarterback-needy NFL teams could come calling this offseason to gauge what it might take to acquire San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones. Pressed into action as Brock Purdy's backup, Jones made the most of his opportunity in 2025. In eight starts, the former... -
49ers injury update: George Kittle has 'a chance' to play vs. Bears
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle avoided a worst-case scenario after suffering an ankle injury Monday night against the Indianapolis Colts. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Kittle sustained a mid-to-low ankle sprain rather than a high-ankle sprain, which... -
49ers vs. Bears injury report: Kittle sidelined, Pearsall returns, other practice notes
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 17 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As expected, tight end George Kittle did not practice after suffering an ankle sprain in Monday night's win over the Indianapolis... -
49ers injury news: Postgame updates on George Kittle, others after win vs. Colts
The San Francisco 49ers picked up a decisive 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night, improving to 11-4 on the season. However, the victory did not come without some injury concerns. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media after the game and provided several...