Christian McCaffrey will play in Week 1 for 49ers, per reports

Team actions also signal optimism about McCaffrey's availability. The 49ers elevated wide receiver Russell Gage and linebacker Curtis Robinson from the practice squad Saturday but notably did not promote any running backs, suggesting confidence in CMC's status for Week 1.

Also on Saturday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that "signs are pointing to him playing" after McCaffrey was seen "running around on the side during practice Friday and was optimistic to reporters." Rapoport noted, "Barring a setback, it's likely he'll go."

McCaffrey appeared on the injury report Thursday as a limited participant with a calf issue and did not practice Friday. The development raised concerns among fans given his injury-plagued 2024 season, when he missed 13 games with Achilles tendinitis and a PCL injury.

However, multiple sources suggest this situation differs from last year's injury. The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported the 49ers "aren't overly concerned" about McCaffrey's status, noting he's "not in a lot of pain."

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero earlier said there are no "alarm bells" within the organization, characterizing the situation as precautionary given McCaffrey's injury history.

The 49ers' star running back downplayed the injury concerns Friday, telling reporters he feels "great" and plans to play. "Unfortunately, when you have an injury history like I have, sometimes when you don't practice, things get blown out of proportion," McCaffrey said.