Is Christian McCaffrey Playing vs Seahawks? All About 49ers RB’s Calf Injury

Christian McCaffrey is a key part of the 49ers’ offense, so when news of his calf injury surfaced, it quickly became a major concern. He was listed as questionable, had limited practice, and then got downgraded, making the season opener in Seattle feel uncertain before it even began. But then came the image that flipped the script.

On Friday, McCaffrey was seen running on a side field, smooth strides, no limp. He told SF Standard’s David Lombardi he “feels great physically” and called the injury “minor.” If you know CMC, you know how it goes, pain shows up, but he doesn’t flinch. Players like him don’t sit.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport doubled down, saying McCaffrey is “expected to suit up barring setback.” Which means unless something goes wrong in warmups, he’s in. Still, the NFL thrives on suspense. His status won’t be locked until 90 minutes before kickoff at 1:05 PM PT. And that leaves an entire fanbase on edge.

The stakes are obvious. In 2023, Christian McCaffrey rushed for 1,459 yards on 272 carries, added 564 yards receiving, and led the league in scrimmage yards with 2,023. He scored 21 total touchdowns, carried the 49ers to another NFC Championship push, and reminded everyone why defenses game-plan around him every single week. Fast forward to 2024. He logged 348 yards from scrimmage with 15 catches and 50 carries in 4 games. No touchdowns yet. No explosion plays by his standard. And now, a calf injury enters the picture.

Career-wise, the numbers speak louder than any report. In 95 games, McCaffrey has stacked 10,853 yards from scrimmage and 81 touchdowns. He’s fumbled just 13 times in nearly 1,900 touches. Those are Hall of Fame fingerprints. And that’s exactly why even the word “questionable” sends shockwaves through San Francisco.

While the 49ers star is pushing on to play, the head coach, Kyle Shanahan, is under attack. He doesn’t have a clue.

Big money, bigger questions as McCaffrey tightens his grip on the Niners

It seems Christian McCaffrey calls the shots for himself, deciding when he practices, plays, or rests. On Thursday, he exited practice after feeling discomfort, and on Friday, he skipped the walkthrough, which typically involves light, non-contact reps. Yet he was seen on a side field moving freely, showing no signs of injury.

Reporters took notice, with Grant Cohn stating, “It almost feels like Christian kind of has the Niners at his mercy right now.”

Kyle Shanahan, once able to plug any back into his system, now relies fully on McCaffrey. At the September 5 press conference, he looked like a coach under pressure, shoulders slumped, eyes tired, and voice flat. “I’m not going to say anything about Christian or any of our players’ injuries.”

McCaffrey signed a two-year, $38 million extension this summer, with $24 million guaranteed. At the time, he was already dealing with injuries. It’s now the richest running back deal in NFL history, and some see it as leverage, with the 49ers tied to his health and availability. Grant Cohn even called it one of the worst extensions the team has made in recent years.

As Week 1 approaches, the stakes are clear. If McCaffrey stays healthy, he could lead the 49ers on another Super Bowl run. If not, Kyle Shanahan may be left watching his offense struggle every time McCaffrey grabs at his leg. For the 49ers, it’s all or nothing, and that uncertainty is cause for concern in Santa Clara.