49ers have stunning Christian McCaffrey opinion amid concerning rumor

A little bit of déjà vu settled in this week when the San Francisco 49ers added Christian McCaffrey to the injury report for a calf issue, the same problem that caused the star running back to miss the beginning of last season.

Per Dianna Russini of The Athletic, the 49ers are not "overly concerned" with McCaffrey's calf issue this season, albeit with the caveat that missing time wouldn't be seen as a "major setback."

"I’m told he’s not in a lot of pain, and the 49ers aren’t overly concerned," Russini wrote. "If McCaffrey were to miss some time early, the 49ers wouldn’t view it as a major setback. He’s in shape, he’s sharp, and they believe he’d be able to step right back in when he’s ready. Still, when it comes to McCaffrey — who has missed significant chunks of five seasons — every little issue is going to make a few hearts beat faster."

San Francisco points to McCaffrey's consistent work in training camp as a sign that he has made physical progress.

McCaffrey missed 13 games in 2024, which was one of the main reasons the 49ers finished with a 6-11 record. The NFL's Offensive Player of the Year in 2023 dealt with issues with his calf, Achilles and a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee last year.

The San Francisco 49ers hedged on Christian McCaffrey's health

San Francisco did hedge on McCaffrey's durability when they traded with the Washington Commanders for Brian Robinson Jr. in the preseason — a move that looks even better now.

McCaffrey's use may be limited early in the season, but he should have a bigger impact on the 2025 49ers than he had last season, a good sign for an offense that's light on healthy receivers and more dynamic when the three-time Pro Bowl is on the field.