McCaffrey might be 29 years old and coming off a horrible injury-plagued year, but that will not keep some Fantasy managers from taking him with a top-15 overall pick (if not in the top 10). It's because McCaffrey's proven potential is right up there with literally anyone else in Fantasy. In 2023 he played 16 games and averaged 24.5 PPR points; in 2022 he played 17 games and averaged 21.1 PPR points; and his results even in partial years like 2021 and 2022 still were strong. Maybe the 49ers will consider dialing back his playing time this year, but not to the point where he won't average 17-plus touches per game. Risk-averse Fantasy managers won't have a problem passing up McCaffrey citing his age and availability, and risk-ignorant Fantasy managers will gravitate toward him. If you're in-between, you could opt to safeguard by pairing him with expected 49ers backup RB Isaac Guerendo with a pick starting in Round 8.
49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Not in uniform Saturday
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McCaffrey isn't warming up ahead of Saturday's preseason contest versus the Chargers, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
McCaffrey won't see any exhibition action this year, but by all accounts he's been looking like his pre-2024 self after dealing with Achilles tendinitis in both legs and a PCL sprain in his right knee last season. In parts of three campaigns since being traded from Carolina to San Francisco in October 2022, he's averaged 115.5 yards from scrimmage per game and scored 31 TDs in 31 regular-season games.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Won't take field Saturday
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McCaffrey will not join Brock Purdy and the majority of San Francisco's starters in suiting up for Saturday's preseason game against the Raiders, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
McCaffrey has been a full-go at training camp, but the 49ers will opt to rest him for a second consecutive preseason game. The veteran running back's final opportunity to handle exhibition reps will come Saturday, Aug. 23 against the Chargers, but it remains to be seen whether San Francisco will consider allowing him to suit up, or take a conservative to the All-Pro's health until Week 1. With Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) both nursing injuries, a combination of Patrick Taylor, Ke'Shawn Vaughn, Corey Kiner and Jeff Wilson will handle backfield reps on Saturday.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Not on track to play Saturday
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McCaffrey is not in line to play in Saturday's preseason opener against the Broncos, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle and David Lombardi of SFStandard.com report.
With Isaac Guerendo (shoulder) and Jordan James (finger) both injured, Patrick Taylor, Ameer Abdullah, Ke'Shawn Vaughnand Corey Kiner are available to handle the 49ers' backfield reps Saturday. It's unclear if McCaffrey will see action next Saturday against the Raiders, but it wouldn't surprise us if the 49ers continued to play it safe with their star running back ahead of Week 1.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Looking healthy at start of camp
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Coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that McCaffrey is "here and healthy" for the start of 49ers training camp, but the running back's workload will be managed in advance of the regular season, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
After a 2024 season in which he missed 13 games due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs and a PCL sprain in his right knee, McCaffrey didn't have any restrictions during the offseason program and appears to be back to his normal self as camp kicks off. FB Kyle Juszczyk spoke highly of the 29-year-old McCaffrey two weekends ago at the American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, telling Vic Tafur of The Athletic, "Christian is arguably the best player in the NFL. He was the offensive player of the year two years ago. ... He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive." McCaffrey mustered just 348 yards from scrimmage and no touchdowns on 65 touches in his four appearances last season, but in the aforementioned, award-winning 2023 campaign, he put up 2,023 total yards and 21 TDs in 16 regular-season games.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Participates fully in minicamp
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McCaffrey was one of a few 49ers veterans to participate in 11-on-11 work during mandatory minicamp, Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
McCaffrey has been trending well from a health perspective this offseason, after struggling with both Achilles and knee issues in 2024. He practiced without restrictions in OTAs and then ramped up his activity further during mandatory minicamp. McCaffrey relayed that he wanted to test his health and was satisfied with the results as he turns his focus to the 2025 season.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: No restrictions at OTAs
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McCaffrey is participating in the offseason program without any restrictions, ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner reports.
Coach Kyle Shanahan declared McCaffrey healthy in early April, which wasn't surprising after the running back told reporters in early January that he was already almost back to full strength. The 49ers then traded Jordan Mason to the Vikings and allowed Elijah Mitchell to sign with the Chiefs, leaving 2024 fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo as McCaffrey's likely backup for 2025. McCaffrey missed the first eight games of last season with Achilles tendinitis in both legs, later missing the final five games because of a PCL sprain in his right knee. It was his third time in the past five years missing double-digit games, but he played either 16 or 17 regular-season games in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023. McCaffrey is under contract through 2027 after signing an extension last summer, albeit with no guaranteed money beyond 2025.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Recovered from knee injury
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San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said last week that McCaffrey (knee) is healthy and doing well, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.
Shanahan also mentioned the possibility of drafting another running back to join McCaffrey and 2024 fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo. The 49ers traded Jordan Mason to the Vikings and lost Elijah Mitchell to the Chiefs in free agency, thinning out a backfield that was devastated by injuries last season. McCaffrey missed the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis and the final five games with a PCL sprain, ultimately taking 65 touches for 346 yards and no TDs in four appearances -- his third time playing fewer than half of the games in a season. He's apparently healthy well before the start of OTAs, but concerns about durability will continue to impact McCaffrey's fantasy value for his age-29 season ahead. It remains to be seen if his Achilles tendons, in particular, can hold up to the kind of workloads Shanahan typically has given him, though perhaps he is trying to avoid having to find out the answer to that question if the team does in fact add another running back to the mix.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Feels close to fully health
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McCaffrey (knee) said Monday he's "definitely close" to 100 percent healthy and could have played had the 49ers qualified for the playoffs, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
McCaffrey will turn his full attention toward making a recovery for OTAs, with San Francisco having failed to attain a playoff berth. The star running back missed the final five games of the regular season due to a PCL injury in his right knee, after having had his 2024 debut delayed until Week 10 due to a calf strain and bilateral Achilles tendinitis. Ensuring McCaffrey is able to enter the 2025 campaign at full health will be among the 49ers' top offseason priorities, in addition to a potential contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy (elbow).
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Goes on IR
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The 49ers placed McCaffrey (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday.
Just as head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested Monday would be the case, McCaffrey was moved off the 53-man roster after the running back suffered a PCL sprain in his right knee during Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Bills. Shanahan said that McCaffrey will likely need around six weeks to recover from the injury, so he'll miss the rest of the regular season and may return to action only if the 5-7 49ers make a surprise playoff run. McCaffrey should be back to full strength for the offseason program and will be entering the final guaranteed year of his contract in 2025. After spending the first nine weeks of the season on IR while recovering from a calf strain and bilateral Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey appeared in just four games in 2024, failing to score a touchdown while carrying 50 times for 202 yards and recording 15 receptions for 146 yards on 19 targets.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Headed to IR, out at least six weeks
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that McCaffrey is headed to injured reserve and is expected to need at least six weeks to recover from the PCL injury he suffered in Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
McCaffrey sustained the injury in the first half of Sunday's contest, when his right knee appeared to give out on him when he attempted to run upfield on a pitch to the outside. Jordan Mason stepped in for McCaffrey and took on the majority of the snaps out of the backfield, but he too is bound for IR after suffering a high-ankle sprain late in the contest. With the top two backs on the 49ers' roster out until at least Week 18, rookie Isaac Guerendo vaults to the top spot on the depth chart and could be in line for a three-down role, making him a priority pickup in all fantasy leagues where he's available. McCaffrey, meanwhile, could have an outside chance at making it back in action if the 49ers make a deep playoff run, though their postseason hopes are fading as they head into Week 14 with a 5-7 record. Shanahan said that McCaffrey won't require surgery on the knee injury, so the star tailback should be back to full health in advance of OTAs in the spring.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: PCL injury could end season
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan said after Sunday's 35-10 loss to the Bills that McCaffrey (knee) suffered a PCL injury in the contest that may be season-ending, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Making only his fourth appearance after missing the 49ers' first eight games due to a strained calf and bilateral Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey injured his right knee while he attempted to plant his feet and move upfield on a pitch, only to slide down and take a five-yard loss. After initially heading to the locker room and being listed as questionable to return, McCaffrey was ruled out for the rest of the night. The star running back will likely undergo further testing Monday to confirm that he's dealing with a PCL injury, and in the likely event that McCaffrey misses time, Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo will be relied upon to lead San Francisco's backfield. If McCaffrey doesn't play again in 2024, he'll finish the campaign with 50 carries for 202 yards, 15 catches on 19 targets for 146 yards and zero total touchdowns.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Won't return against Buffalo
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McCaffrey (knee) won't return to Sunday's game against the Bills.
McCaffrey was ruled out at halftime after limping to the locker room in the first half. Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo will lead San Francisco's rushing attack in the second half. McCaffrey will finish the night with seven carries for 53 yards and two catches for 14 yards on three targets. His next chance to play will be Week 14 against the Bears.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Injures knee on SNF
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McCaffrey (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Bills.
McCaffrey felt something in his leg and slid down immediately after receiving a toss in the second quarter, then got up limping and promptly went to the medical tent. The star running back went to the locker room soon thereafter, per Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group. McCaffrey had been off to a strong start in snowy Buffalo prior to the injury, rushing seven times for 53 yards and catching two of three targets for 14 yards. Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo will comprise San Francisco's backfield in McCaffrey's absence.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Struggles sans star QB
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McCaffrey rushed 11 times for 31 yards and lost one fumble while catching three of four targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 38-10 loss to Green Bay.
The 49ers were without starting quarterback Brock Purdy (shoulder) on Sunday, which allowed the opposition to key in on McCaffrey's 14 touches. The 28-year-old also coughed up his first fumble of the campaign, adding insult to injury for his fantasy managers' box scores. Purdy's injury isn't considered serious, which bodes well for his availability and McCaffrey's point potential on the road against the Bills next Sunday.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Cracks century mark in total yards
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McCaffrey rushed 19 times for 79 yards and brought in four of five targets for 27 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Seattle.
McCaffrey looked healthy out there for the second consecutive game after missing the first half of the season with tendinitis in both of his Achilles tendons. The dual-threat back combined to go for over 100 total yards in consecutive appearances while handling nearly all of San Francisco's backfield work. McCaffrey should continue to be a focal point of the 49ers' attack in a tough matchup on the road against the Packers next Sunday.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Cleared to play again
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McCaffrey (Achilles) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against Seattle, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.
McCaffrey took 89 percent of snaps and 19 touches last week in his season debut, making it through the win over Tampa Bay without any report of a setback or discomfort. The 49ers may continue to limit his practice reps but apparently want McCaffrey in his usual, near-every-down role on Sundays. He shouldn't lack for snaps or touches in an NFC West showdown this weekend.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Gains 107 yards on 19 touches
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McCaffrey (Achilles) rushed 13 times for 39 yards and caught six of seven targets for 68 yards in Sunday's 23-20 win over Tampa Bay.
McCaffrey made a successful 2024 debut after missing the first nine weeks of the fantasy season with tendinitis in both of his Achilles tendons followed by a bye. The 28-year-old was not limited in terms of usage or production, hitting the century mark in total yards while handling 19 touches. Backup running backs Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo touched the ball just once each, suggesting McCaffrey will resume his usual workhorse role on offense moving forward. CMC should be considered an elite fantasy play against a struggling Seattle defense in Week 11.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Listed as questionable, should play
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McCaffrey (Achilles) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game at Tampa Bay, with coach Kyle Shanahan saying Friday that the running back will play, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.
The 49ers will need to activate him from injured reserve by 4:00 p.m. ET on Saturday if he's indeed going to make his season debut this Sunday. Shanahan said Thursday that he expected McCaffrey to play, then reaffirming the plan after Friday's practice. McCaffrey may not jump right back into his accustomed every-down role, but even somewhat lesser usage could be enough to produce a big stat line against Tampa Bay's struggling defense.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Stays limited at practice
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McCaffrey (Achilles) was limited at Thursday's practice, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Following the 49ers' Week 9 bye, the 49ers designated McCaffrey for return from injured reserve Monday, and he's proceeded to log back-to-back capped sessions. Coach Kyle Shanahan relayed to Adam Schefter of ESPN on Wednesday that McCaffrey has experienced "no pain" in either of his Achilles, so the team likely is just easing the running back in this week. Ultimately, Friday's practice report will unveil whether McCaffrey is cleared ahead of the weekend or 90 minutes before Sunday's 1:00 p.m. ET kickoff, assuming he's able to make his season debut.
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49ers' Christian McCaffrey: Limited Wednesday, has no discomfort
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Head coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey will be a limited participant at Wednesday's practice, but the running back has exhibited "no pain" in either of his Achilles, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The 49ers designated McCaffrey for return from injured reserve Monday following their Week 9 bye, opening a 21-day window in which to evaluate him for a return to the active roster. The team has been circling this Sunday's game at Tampa Bay as his likely season debut, but McCaffrey may need to conclude this week with a full practice in order to go into the weekend without a designation.
