Christian McCaffrey Shares Health Update After Missing 49ers Practice

It is important to note, though, that McCaffrey is nursing a back injury heading into Saturday’s big game. The two-time All-Pro running back dealt with this back issue earlier in December, but he was able to play through the injury in Week 15 against the Tennessee Titans.

McCaffrey has not been on the Niners’ injury report since, but this changed on Tuesday. This is after the team announced via the practice report that the five-time Pro Bowler did not take part in practice due to the back issue. It was a walkthrough session for San Francisco on Tuesday, which means that McCaffrey’s DNP was an estimation.

McCaffrey spoke to the press on Tuesday and was able to provide a crucial health update after missing practice. When asked if the back injury was anything serious, the 29-year-old had a defiant response.

“No,” McCaffrey said, via NBC Sports’ Pro Football Talk. “Not serious.”

McCaffrey did not show any concern in terms of his status for Saturday’s game. At this point, barring any unforeseen setbacks in the coming days, McCaffrey is expected to be back in the starting lineup against Seattle on Saturday.

“It means a lot,” McCaffrey said of the Seahawks game. “It’s a huge game for us, obviously, this week, and our team’s intent and focus is to get better today and show up ready to roll on Saturday.”

After being limited to just four games last season due to multiple injuries, McCaffrey has returned to top form in 2025. He’s played in all 16 games for the Niners this term, producing 303 carries for 1,179 yards and 10 touchdowns. He’s also caught 96 passes for 890 yards and seven receiving TDs.

The Niners will need McCaffrey to be at his best on Saturday with a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs on the line.