San Francisco 49ers superstar running back Christian McCaffrey was limited in practice Wednesday with the Achilles tendinitis and calf strain that forced him to miss opening week.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday it can be seen as a positive sign that McCaffrey was cleared to practice at all. However, NFL Network reported earlier Wednesday that McCaffrey is considered a longshot to play this week against Minnesota.
McCaffrey, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, had nursed a strained calf throughout training camp.
“But it’s not just the calf, it’s the Achilles and the Achilles is tendinitis and that stuff comes and goes. When it is acting up, it’s something you’ve got to be very careful about. Christian’s very diligent about that stuff,” Shanahan said Tuesday.
McCaffrey, 28, led the league with 1,459 rushing yards last year, his first full season in San Francisco. The dual-threat back posted a league-best 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving).
McCaffrey has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns, adding 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 scores, in 91 games (84 starts) with the Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).
Jordan Mason rushed for 147 yards on 28 carries in the 49ers’ 32-19 season-opening win over the New York Jets on Monday night.
Offensive lineman Aaron Banks (calf), wide receiver Jauan Jennings (ankle) and safety Talanoa Hufanga (knee) were also listed as limited on Wednesday. Hufanga returned to limited practice last week after sustaining his season-ending ACL injury last November. Hufanga was not active for the opener.
–Field Level Media
