San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey will be out for about two weeks due to a calf injury.
McCaffrey strained his calf last week, but it is not a pulled muscle, according to coach Kyle Shanahan.
The big picture: Although McCaffrey will not participate in preseason games, he is expected to return to practice before the regular season starts on September 9.
- McCaffrey has been a force on the 49ers’ offense since joining the team in a trade in 2022.
- He has recorded 2,205 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, 119 receptions, 1,028 receiving yards and 11 receiving touchdowns in 27 games with San Francisco.
Further: In addition to McCaffrey’s injury, backup running back Elijah Mitchell is also sidelined with a strained hamstring and will be out for about a week.
- In response to the injuries, the 49ers have signed veteran running back Matt Breida to provide depth in the backfield.
- Breida previously played three seasons with the 49ers, rushing for 1,902 yards and six touchdowns.
- The team is also missing fourth-round rookie back Isaac Guerendo, who injured his hamstring early in training camp.
- Other running backs like Jordan Mason, undrafted rookie Cody Schrader, and Patrick Taylor will likely get playing time in the absence of McCaffrey and Mitchell.
