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Christian McCaffrey’s availability is again a big question mark for the San Francisco 49ers just days before their season opener against Seattle Seahawks.
However, it seems to be driving back even if he wants to play in Seattle on Sunday.
“I always plan to play,” he told journalists via ESPN. “I feel good about where I’m on. Unfortunately, when you have the injury story that I have, sometimes when you don’t exercise, things are blown out of proportions. But as I said, I feel big.”
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Christian McCaffrey #23 from San Francisco 49ers warms up before the NFL Preseason 2025 game against Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Ian Maule/Getty Images)
McCaffrey was considered questionable to play in the 49ers’ injuries on Friday due to a calf piece. He was listed as a limited participant on practice on Thursday, and after not practicing on Friday, fans wonder if this is Déjà VU after last year’s injury bail.
McCaffrey was listed as a questionable entrance in week 1 last season and he insisted that he was doing well and ready to play against the New York Jets. But he instead landed on an injured reserve as his veal density turned out to be bilateral Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey ended up playing only four games last season.
Christian McCaffrey lands on injuries report days before the NFL season after missing 13 matches in 2024
So, as 49ers fans see a calf disease again on the injuries report, there is some skepticism that leads to Sunday.
Principal coach Kyle Shanahan did not go into detail about McCaffrey’s injury during his media availability and only confirmed he did not attend Friday. McCaffrey on the other hand gave some background to what he was dealing with.
San Francisco 49ers, who runs back Christian McCaffrey, warms up before a game against Denver Broncos at Levis Stadium. (David Gonzales/Imag images)
“I’m not going to go into something that happened, but I felt it was the smart thing to do to not end practice (Thursday),” McCaffrey said. “I’ve been there before, and I’ve been my own worst enemy in situations like that, and I was proud of myself for not doing it again. As I said, I went through a whole training camp. I’m good at where I’m on.”
During training camp, McCaffrey had no injury problems as Shanahan and others praised his performance in practice. He did not play in any preseason game for obvious reasons as San Francisco would be careful.
But the season begins on Sunday, and the 49ers’ playoff hub is tied to No. 23, appearing as if he did two seasons ago when the team reached the Super Bowl.
Christian McCaffrey #23 from San Francisco 49ers stands on the field before the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Los Angeles Chargers and San Francisco 49ers at Levis Stadium on August 23, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“At the end of the day, if you can play, you play in the game,” he said. “It’s as simple as that.”
