Christian McCaffrey injury update: 49ers RB suffers setback ahead of season opener vs. Seahawks

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is hoping to bounce back after multiple leg injuries limited him to just four games in 2024. McCaffrey appeared to be in prime condition in training camp, but he has suffered a setback ahead of the season opener.

On Thursday, the star running back was listed as limited during practice for Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks because of a calf issue.

It marks a significant reversal from Wednesday, when coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey was all set for a monstrous return:

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"I knew Christian was back just once he told me he was healthy. It's not like we were thinking he wouldn't come back from it... He was telling us that early in the offseason, so I felt pretty good about it. Christian's not a liar. So, I didn't think he was. Then we saw him early in OTAs, he looked like the guy we've always known and he's continued that."

On Thursday, tight end George Kittle said he was looking forward to his teammate's return:

"He seems very excited. He's been excited since OTAs. He's been excited since the season ended. So yes, I'm very, very much looking forward to being able to block for him and run routes next to him again."

EDGE Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), WR Jordan Watkins (ankle) and RB Jordan James (finger) were also limited in practice. Meanwhile, the following players were full participants:

OL Ben Bartch (elbow)
DL Kalia Davis (groin)
RB Isaac Guerendo (shoulder)
DL Bryce Huff (ankle)
QB Mac Jones (knee)
DL Sam Okuayinonu (shoulder)
S Jason Pinnock (heel)
G Dominick Puni (knee)
DL CJ West (knee)
DL Mykel Williams (knee)
T Trent Williams (rest)

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan discusses challenges of opening 2025 season with two road games

An injury to Christian McCaffrey is not the only problem the 49ers have to deal with to start the season. They will also play on the road twice consecutively. After the Seahawks and their vaunted "12th Man", they will visit the New Orleans Saints and their "Who Dat Nation" the following week.

Kyle Shanahan views it as somewhat problematic but something to be embraced.

“It’s always a challenge," he told reporters on Wednesday. "We challenge (ourselves) throughout the week, and hopefully by Sunday, it feels second nature to us.”

The team's first home game will be against the Arizona Cardinals on Sept. 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:25 p.m. PT on Fox.

About the author

Andre Castillo is an NFL journalist at Sportskeeda who holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Master’s degree in Journalism. He has over seven years of working experience and has also covered MMA with FanSided, wrestling with The Sportster, and automobiles with Hot Cars.

Andre follows the New York Jets and the Washington Commanders, mostly because he likes their colors. His favorite position is tight end, and players like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce have always drawn Andre's attention when watching a game. Bill Belichick is his favorite coach, and his all-time favorite Super Bowl is the XLII edition, when the underdog New York Giants upset the then-undefeated New England Patriots.

If he can change one moment in NFL history, it will be from the NFC Championship Game in January 2019. In that game, a highly controversial no-call cost the Saints what would have been Drew Brees' second Super Bowl visit, where he would have faced Tom Brady and the Patriots.

Andre is always on the lookout for fresh perspectives in a story and ensures complete factual accuracy by double-checking all information before using it in his articles. He has an innate understanding of how to present information in an efficient and compelling way.

Outside the writing realm, Andre is a professional licensed teacher. His hobbies include watching UFC, MotoGP, playing the piano, and travelling.

Know More

49ers Fans! Check out the latest San Francisco 49ers Schedule and dive into the 49ers Depth Chart for NFL Season 2024-25.

Edited by Andre Castillo