Christian McCaffrey fantasy owners, brace yourselves. San Francisco’s star running back could be out for another week.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter during “Monday Night Football” pregame coverage, there is a “real, strong possibility” McCaffrey could be benched again when San Francisco visits Minnesota in Week 2.
Schefter noted the 27-year-old essentially hadn’t practiced all summer due to a lingering tightness in his calf and pulled himself out of Friday’s session, fearing an Achilles issue. McCaffrey had previously expressed confidence he would be able to play in the days leading up to Monday.
“The issue was he came in today for treatment and the calf still was tight,” Schefter continued. “Not only is Christian McCaffrey out tonight, but there’s a real chance he’s not gonna play on Sunday either.”
San Francisco has to travel to Minnesota in a short week, where the artificial turf surface could be a condition worth avoiding if McCaffrey isn’t at 100 percent.
The 49ers have a 3-4 record since 2022 without McCaffrey, not including Monday night’s absence against the New York Jets.
Quarterback Brock Purdy will likely lean heavily again on backup Jordan Mason and wide receiver Deebo Samuel to supplement the run game, on top of passing options Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle.
