Tag: Christian McCaffrey update

Kyle Shanahan calls out ‘unfair’ speculation about 49ers offensive superstar

Kyle Shanahan pushed back against the negativity and “unrealistic” expectations regarding Christian McCaffrey’s production in his return.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is three games into his return from injury.

The two-time first-team All-Pro and reigning Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year missed the 49ers’ first eight games this season because of bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

McCaffrey was activated off the injured reserve on Nov. 9 and made his season debut in San Francisco’s 23-20 Week 10 win at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCaffrey carried 13 times for 39 yards and also caught six receptions for 68 yards in the win over the Bucs.

Then, in the 49ers’ 20-17 loss versus Seattle, McCaffrey rushed 19 times for 79 yards and reeled in four passes for 27 yards.

But, after carrying 11 times for just 31 yards against the Green Bay Packers in San Francisco’s frustrating 38-10 loss this past weekend, questions about McCaffrey’s readiness emerged in earnest.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan pushed back against any of that negativity.

“Yeah, I think, we haven’t been, we haven’t played that well these last two weeks or we haven’t got the running game going these last two weeks,” Shanahan said. “Thought it was better versus Tampa, we just didn’t get a big one. But I mean, the speculation on Christian, I think, is a little bit unfair to him. Christian’s playing very well, he is playing his ass off.”

Shanahan pointed out that McCaffrey never got to truly ramp up during the offseason either.

“But to think a guy who misses an entire offseason is just going to be the exact same the day he gets back would be unfair to any player in the world, I feel like.” Shanahan said. “Guys who miss offseasons and miss training camp, usually it takes them a little bit of time at the beginning of the year to get back into how they were the year before, let alone missing half the season also on top of that.

“So, I think Christian’s doing a hell of a job. But to just think him coming back in week eight with not being able to do anything for the last nine months or whatever it is, and to think he’s just going to be in MVP form is a very unrealistic expectation.”

Shanahan said that McCaffrey looks physically right to him. Instead, Shanahan said the 49ers need to do a better job of consistently creating running lanes and that McCaffrey missed one or two big runs with his vision that would have altered the outside perspective.

“I think he looks real good,” Shanahan said. “I think he’s playing very well. I don’t think he’s had a bunch of clean lanes. I think he had a couple versus, when I say a couple, I actually mean two versus Tampa, and if he hits those two which maybe is just half a step off just with seeing it.

“But you hit those two and it’ll completely change yards-per-carry, which will look better from an outside perspective, but it won’t change anything in actually what’s happening. So to sit here and talk like he’s struggling, not going to do that at all. But for us to be disappointed that he’s not exactly how he was or just right in MVP form, that’d be unfair with any player.”

McCaffrey had a 23-yard reception early in the fourth quarter of the 49ers’ loss at the Packers, but he fumbled the football away.

Shanahan noted that McCaffrey’s response to those types of moments is what makes him a special player.

“I think that’s what makes Christian great,” he said. “Christian, I’ve told you guys, he’s a psycho in the best way possible. Christian had a fumble there at the end of the game. No matter what I say to him, he is not going to forgive himself for a fumble for probably the rest of his life, he’ll still be mad at himself for that. That’s just how he rolls.

“That’s his mindset in everything. You should see him in OTAs, if he drops the ball and how he acts after that and apologizing to us later in the day for a dropped ball in OTAs on period one. That’s what makes him great and it means a lot to him.”

McCaffrey joined the 49ers at the trade deadline during the 2022 campaign. In his first full season with San Francisco during the 2023 season, McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459), yards from scrimmage (2,023) and touchdowns (21).

McCaffrey racked up all of those gaudy numbers in spite of sitting out the regular-season finale after San Francisco had clinched home-field advantage and a bye in the playoffs.

Fans are hoping to see more of that explosion from McCaffrey moving forward.

San Francisco (5-6) returns to action on Sunday, Dec. 1 with a date at Buffalo (9-2) on Sunday Night Football. Kickoff is set for 5:20 p.m. PT and the game will be broadcast on NBC and stream on Peacock.

What to make of Christian McCaffrey’s absence from 49ers practice

Christian McCaffrey wasn’t in practice Wednesday, but there’s no real cause for concern.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey sat out the team’s practice Wednesday in the lead up to a Week 12 showdown with the Green Bay Packers.

This is a slight departure from McCaffrey’s routine during his first two weeks back with the club after a nine-week absence due to Achilles tendinitis. During those first two weeks he was a limited participant in practice Wednesday and Thursday before getting a full practice in Friday.

Wednesday of Week 12 was a little different. The 49ers listed McCaffrey as a non-participant. His Achilles injury is still listed, but they also specified that his absence was for rest and was not injury related.

It makes sense that the team would rest McCaffrey given his workload in a Week 11 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He played 59 snaps and notched 19 carries along with four receptions. The 23 touches were four more than his 19 the week prior.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan indicated the team plans to continue utilizing McCaffrey as much as possible in games, so an additional day off during the week would behoove a team trying to manage an Achilles issue for its superstar running back.

Chances are McCaffrey is back Thursday and ready to suit up Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

If he isn’t back Thursday, there may be a bigger issue. For now, his absence is simply a rest day.

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Will Christian McCaffrey play this week? Injury updates for 49ers RB

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will have to manage his Achilles injury all year. Here are the latest updates.

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey made his 2024 debut for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 10 after working through Achilles tendinitis.

The nature of that ailment means the 49ers will have to manage McCaffrey’s usage throughout the season, including limiting him in practice potentially for the rest of the year.

McCaffrey tallied 19 touches in the 49ers’ Week 10 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and didn’t have any setbacks during the game. Here’s where things stand going into Week 11:

Christian McCaffrey injury update

McCaffrey was limited in Wednesday and Thursday practices, but he was a full participant in Friday’s session and didn’t show up on the 49ers’ injury report. He should be a full go for the second consecutive week.

How much will Christian McCaffrey play?

It doesn’t appear the 49ers plan on limiting McCaffrey much in games. We may see him spelled for a handful of snaps here and there, but his touches should be back up where they were in Week 10 where he’s getting it 19-plus times. With a full game under his belt he may be even more effective against the Seattle Seahawks.

49ers RB depth chart

One of the advantages the 49ers have in managing McCaffrey’s ailment is that they have a pair of running backs behind him they can trust to snag some carries if the snap/touch counts get too high. Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo both filled in admirably while McCaffrey was out, but their opportunities figure to be limited when he’s healthy.

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Why was Christian McCaffrey limited for 49ers in 1st Week 11 practice?

Christian McCaffrey was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but that’s no reason for alarm.

The San Francisco 49ers have a new weekly problem to solve now that running back Christian McCaffrey has returned from Achilles tendinitis.

While it’s certainly a positive that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year is back in their lineup, the club now has to navigate managing his injury. Part of that will likely be limited practice work and plenty of appearances for McCaffrey on the practice participation report as a result.

McCaffrey debuted Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and notched 13 carries to go along with six receptions on seven targets. He got through the game without issue, but showed up on Wednesday’s practice report as a limited participant.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan before Wednesday’s session said there was no setback for McCaffrey and that his limited practice was a product of how the 49ers are choosing to manage the injury.

It wouldn’t be a huge surprise if McCaffrey didn’t have a full participation in a full practice the rest of the year.

There doesn’t appear to be any inkling from the club or Shanahan that McCaffrey’s workload will diminish greatly this year. He averaged 21.2 touches per game last season and came out of the gate with his 19 in Week 10.

Shanahan didn’t seem bothered by the number of touches McCaffrey received in his debut, indicating he’ll likely continue being the workhorse back for San Francisco. Where they will shortcut his usage is in practice where full participation isn’t required for McCaffrey to be effective during the week.

This may all change if he has a setback at some point, but for now we can get used to seeing McCaffrey on the participation report as less than a full participant.

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49ers injury update: Christian McCaffrey returns to practice

CMC is back in practice.

The San Francisco 49ers on Monday dished out the best potential post-Bye week news.

Ahead of Monday’s bonus practice after their Bye, the 49ers will open running back Christian McCaffrey’s 21-day practice window in preparation for his return from IR per Matt Barrows of the Athletic. He’s been on the injured list since Week 2 with Achilles tendinitis. He missed most of training camp and was limited in practice all week leading up to the season opener. The team listed him as questionable for Week 1, but he ended up missing the game which put his long-term absence in motion.

McCaffrey won’t officially be activated off IR until Saturday at the earliest. The 49ers will have until Monday, Nov. 25 to activate him, or he’ll be placed back on IR for the rest of the season.

By opening his practice window the 49ers will be able to have McCaffrey on the field for Monday’s practice and all three sessions leading up to a Week 10 showdown with the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan before the Bye week said McCaffrey would ramp up his rehab during the week off with simulated practices. The practice window opening means those sessions went well. There’s a chance we may see the reigning Offensive Player of the Year back in uniform for Sunday’s game in Tampa Bay if things go well during the week.

Getting McCaffrey back will be a major boost for the 49ers’ offense. Without him they’ve relied more on downfield throws, they’ve lacked in yards-after-catch, and they’ve struggled to score touchdowns in the red zone. His return should help in all of those areas, even if he doesn’t hit the ground running with a full workload.

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When is Christian McCaffrey coming back for 49ers?

Here’s the potential timeline for Christian McCaffrey’s return.

All signs point to running back Christian McCaffrey returning for the San Francisco 49ers shortly after their Week 9 Bye.

But what exactly does McCaffrey’s timeline look like?

Nothing will happen officially until the 49ers’ Bye week ends. They’re technically off through Sunday. They’ll have a bonus practice Monday and head coach Kyle Shanahan said the hope is to have McCaffrey on the field for that practice.

In order to get McCaffrey back for that session, the 49ers will have to open his 21-day practice window Monday. That’s when we can expect that official announcement.

Since the team isn’t holding any Bye week practices, McCaffrey will be ramping up his rehab with simulated workouts during the week off to ensure his Achilles responds well before joining a live practice.

What’ll be interesting is whether McCaffrey can get ready to return with one full week of practice.

He’d get Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to participate before playing in the 49ers’ Week 10 showdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

If he needs just one week of practice, which is the same amount of time wide receiver Ricky Pearsall needed for his ramp up, the team would officially activate him off IR on Saturday, Nov. 9. If he’s not activated then, it means he’ll need to wait at least another week.

If his 21-day window opens Monday, as expected, it means the 49ers will have until Nov. 25 to either activate him or place him on season-ending IR.

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USA TODAY has intriguing idea for how 49ers can use offensive superstar

Could something of a position change be coming for Christian McCaffrey?

There are clear ways the return of running back Christian McCaffrey will help the San Francisco 49ers.

They’ve been one of the most efficient offenses in the NFL through eight weeks. They’re No. 2 in the league in yards per play and No. 2 in percentage of drives that end in a score. Despite that, they’re No. 8 in total scoring because they’ve struggled to find the end zone.

McCaffrey’s return should help them dramatically in that area. However, they’ll have to be judicious in the way they deploy the reigning Offensive Player of the Year. That’s where USA TODAY’s Nate Davis offered an interesting idea for how the 49ers can use McCaffrey.

In his weekly power rankings, Davis called for something of a position change for McCaffrey:

If Christian McCaffrey and his Achilles issues are indeed on the other side of this week’s bye, you wonder if the Niners should maybe deploy him more heavily in the slot to bolster a weakened receiver corps and let RBs Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo continue doing their spectacular work out of the backfield.

This is an interesting idea!

McCaffrey’s Achilles tendinitis will require a little bit of management from the 49ers, meaning they’re unlikely to be able to lean on him for 21-plus touches per game like they did last year.

Using McCaffrey as a receiver isn’t a novel idea. He lined up in the slot or out wide on 17.7 percent of his snaps last season, and averaged 11.1 snaps at those two spots per game.

Perhaps if the 49ers want to lighten McCaffrey’s overall workload without removing him from the field, they can utilize him as a receiver on something closer to 30 percent of his snaps. From there they can sprinkle in Mason and Guerendo to ensure they’re getting touches for the other players in their backfield as well.

At the same time, they’d be taking some of the onus off of WRs Chris Conley, Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing and Ronnie Bell to be playmakers in the passing game.

Don’t be surprised if the 49ers utilize some form of this strategy once McCaffrey returns. It may not be a 30 percent snap rate at receiver, but we can expect an uptick in his playing time at that spot as the club tries to ensure they’re keeping him as healthy as possible to try and make a playoff run.

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Christian McCaffrey update: Practice window may open during Bye week

Christian McCaffrey’s practice window may open soon!

The San Francisco 49ers appear to be inching closer toward a return for star running back Christian McCaffrey.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday intimated the team was hoping to get the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year back shortly after their Week 9 Bye.

When asked Wednesday about McCaffrey, Shanahan said he’s hopeful the 21-day practice window will open for him during the team’s Bye week.

Since McCaffrey is on IR with his Achilles tendinitis, he can’t take part in any practices with the team. He is allowed to do rehab and solo on-field work. It would make sense that the team wants to maximize his ramp up with on-field team work.

By opening his window during the Bye, they’ll be able to have him for any workouts they do during their week off. Even if there’s no Bye week work, he’ll be able to take part in the Monday bonus practice after the Bye, and then in a full week of practices leading up to the team’s Week 10 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That would give him at least four practices before suiting up in a game, which may be enough for a player with McCaffrey’s experience.

One advantage the 49ers have in this situation is that third-year RB Jordan Mason has been a star with McCaffrey out. That’ll allow San Francisco to ease McCaffrey into work without overdoing it in games.

Managing his Achilles tendinitis is going to be a major task for the 49ers the rest of the way, and how successful they are in doing that may determine whether they can make another playoff run this season.

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Kyle Shanahan hints at when Christian McCaffrey will return for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers may get the reigning Offensive Player of the Year back soon.

The news around wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending knee injury during the San Francisco 49ers’ 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs seems to have the 49ers at a new rock bottom for the 2024 season.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday in his conference call with reporters provided a potential bit of optimism when he was asked about running back Christian McCaffrey’s rehab process. McCaffrey has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since Week 17 of last season.

Shanahan said McCaffrey is still working through rehab, but that the reigning Offensive Player of the Year hasn’t suffered any setbacks, and that his return may be on the horizon.

“Christian’s still progressing through his rehab,” Shanahan said. “He hasn’t had any setbacks, so it’s been all good news so far. I’d be surprised to get him back this week. But hopefully the Bye week will go well and have a much better chance there right after the Bye week.”

Getting McCaffrey back after the Bye might just be enough to save the 49ers’ season.

If they can beat the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, it would put San Francisco at 4-4 going into its week off. McCaffrey’s return should help the ailing 49ers offense and put them in position to go on some kind of run the way they did in 2022 when they won 10 of 11 games after acquiring the RB in a trade with the Panthers.

This is the first time Shanahan has given anything even close to an expected timeline for return from McCaffrey, which is a good sign that he’s making progress in his recovery.

RB Jordan Mason has filled in admirably for McCaffrey, but the 49ers’ offense has struggled in a couple of key ways while missing McCaffrey’s versatility. Getting him back in the fold for the final nine games would be a major boost to a team that is desperately looking for something to go right on the health front.

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Christian McCaffrey return shouldn’t erase 49ers breakout star on offense

Christian McCaffrey should be back at some point, but that shouldn’t mean Jordan Mason disappears.

At some point this season running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to get back on the field for the San Francisco 49ers.

McCaffrey is battling Achilles tendinitis that first cropped up in Week 17 last season. There was some hope he’d return for the season opener, but he missed that game before landing on the injured list where he’s been since Week 2 with no firm timetable for his return.

His absence opened the door for third-year undrafted RB Jordan Mason to enter the fold, and Mason burst through it the same way he’s burst through defenses for 609 rushing yards this season. That’s the second-highest total in the league and a whopping 145 more yards than he had through his first two season combined.

There were some questions about whether he could contribute as an every-down player after his first two seasons. Mason has answered those questions authoritatively in the affirmative through six weeks this season.

While Mason’s role will undoubtedly shrink once the reigning Offensive Player of the Year returns, it can’t be diminished to what it was a season ago when Mason was largely an afterthought in any scenario that wasn’t a blowout while McCaffrey was healthy.

To be clear, McCaffrey should still hold a substantial role in the offense. His presence will cure some of what ails them on that side of the ball with yards-after-catch and scoring touchdowns in the red zone.

However, Mason has proven valuable to the 49ers’ offense with his ability to create yards after contact. That alone is worth having him on the field, but it becomes even more important considering what San Francisco is going to need to accomplish with managing McCaffrey’s tendinitis.

They can’t expect McCaffrey to step onto the field and average more than 21 touches per game. They also can’t get away from their identity as a run-first offense. That means utilizing Mason more often early in games where he’s taking some of the carries off McCaffrey’s plate. It might even mean at some points using McCaffrey as a de facto third-down back to ensure he’s fully healthy come playoff time. There are also some fun things they can do with McCaffrey and Mason on the field together where they’re utilizing McCaffrey’s skillset as a receiver to tie defenses into knots.

Ultimately the 49ers are in a good spot. They don’t need to rush McCaffrey back thanks to Mason’s success, and once he does return they don’t need him to be the workhorse he was last season.

There’s a sweet spot here for San Francisco where they maintain one of the NFL’s best offenses without overdoing McCaffrey’s workload and eliminating Mason from the picture during his breakout season.

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