Kyle Shanahan dismisses theories about Christian McCaffrey's absence

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan dismisses two theories about Christian McCaffrey's ongoing absence

By Clark Dalton | Last updated Aug 18, 2026 6:02 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan aimed to squash multiple theories about running back Christian McCaffrey's extended absence following Tuesday's joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers.

McCaffrey has now missed five consecutive practices due to "tightness." Some have suggested the undisclosed injury is more severe than the 49ers have said. Others have floated the idea he's limiting practice time as part of a contract dispute. His deal reportedly pays out a non-guaranteed $12.5M in 2026. Shanahan indicated that both premises are wrong.

Kyle Shanahan expands on Christian McCaffrey situation

"I think [people] make a lot of assumptions and that would be one they're wrong on," Shanahan said when asked if the absences are a contract-related issue (h/t ESPN's Nick Wagoner).

The coach then indicated they're holding McCaffrey out of practices as a precaution, noting he would be healthy enough to play in a regular-season game.

"I think if it wasn't Christian and we were in game week, I think he would play today," the coach said.

#49ers HC Kyle Shanahan's answers on RB Christian McCaffrey's status:

(On whether there's a contract-related issue)
"I think they make a lot of assumptions and that would be one that they're wrong on."

(On CMC returning to practice)
"I think if it wasn't Christian and we were…
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 18, 2026

The contract idea seems far-fetched. The 49ers star is paid handsomely. McCaffrey, who's entering the third year of a four-year deal, makes $19M annually, the fifth-highest annual average salary among RBs.

The unspecified injury, though, warrants monitoring, given McCaffrey's medical history. The RB didn't play until Week 10 of the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury that required him to seek treatment in Germany. He then played four games before suffering a knee injury, ending his season.

The 49ers backfield isn't prepared for an extended McCaffrey absence. The team lists Jordan James or rookie Kaelon Black as its RB2. James hasn't been practicing since fracturing his ribs at the beginning of training camp.

Black, pick No. 90 of the 2026 NFL Draft, played a pivotal role for the national-championship-winning Indiana Hoosiers last season, rushing for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries in 16 games. But it would be unreasonable to expect him to produce McCaffrey-like numbers as a rookie. He finished second in 2025 Offensive Player of the Year voting behind Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 TDs on 311 carries in 17 games.

Shanahan's dismissal of the contract narrative is one positive for Niners fans, but his downplaying of the injury fails to erase all concerns. Remain skeptical until McCaffrey plays in Week 1 of the regular season against the Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne on Sept. 10 (Netflix, 8:35 p.m. ET).

Clark Dalton

Clark Dalton is a 2022 journalism graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. He gained experience in sports media over the past seven years — from live broadcasting and creating short films to podcasting and producing. In college, he wrote for The Daily Texan. He loves sports and enjoys hiking, kayaking and camping.

More must-reads: