Even in a dress rehearsal situation, the San Francisco 49ers won’t get a look at their All-Pro running back during the preseason. Christian McCaffrey suffered a calf injury that has ruled him out throughout the preseason. Yet, despite his injury, his teammate in the backfield Kyle Juszczyk believes McCaffrey will be back on the field in “no time.”
Following practice on Thursday, the 49ers fullback hit the podium and spoke to reporters about McCaffrey, saying he’s been reminding Juszczyk that he’s getting a little bit closer to returning each day. Juszczyk said McCaffrey is “coming at the bit” to get on the field and join his teammates.
He is always super determined. He’s always striving for more. It really is never enough for him. You can see It’s killing him for him not to be out there. He’s always chomping at the bit. He makes sure to remind me every day that he’s getting a little bit closer. He’s going to have those cleats on the grass in no time. He’s going to be Christian McCaffrey. He’s going to go do his thing and be one of the best players in the world.
Via @957thegame on Twitter:
“It’s killing him for him not to be out there. He’s always chomping at the bit. He makes sure he reminds me every day he’s getting a little bit closer. He’s gonna have those cleats on the grass in no time.”
Kyle Juszczyk on Christian McCaffrey pic.twitter.com/WF74KZ79SE
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 15, 2024
Along with positive words from his teammate, McCaffrey was seen going through an extensive workout on the side of practice that included catching passes, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Via @nwagoner on Twitter:
#49ers training camp day 16 notes and observations:
– As you might expect with the second practice in a 3 practice block, today was a long and intense fully padded session. We'll find out later if Kyle Shanahan wants to play starters Sunday against the Saints since they didn't…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 15, 2024
McCaffrey is coming off a Pro Bowl campaign, earning AP Offensive Player of the Year with 1459 yards rushing and 564 yards receiving along with 21 touchdowns.
Regardless of how long it takes, the 49ers will likely continue to be as cautious as possible with McCaffrey’s calf injury. While he’s on the sideline, Jordan Mason will get an increase in reps, along with Elijah Mitchell and rookies Isaac Guerendo and Cody Schrader.
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