49ers list star RB Christian McCaffrey as limited with calf/achilles injury

Sep 6, 2024, 11:11 AM

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 27: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi's Stadium on November 27, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

While Christian McCaffrey made his triumphant return to the 49ers practice field this week, his injury status is still worth monitoring entering Week 1.

The San Francisco 49ers listed the star running back as a limited participant before Thursday’s practice due to a pre-existing calf and achilles injury. The ailment kept CMC off the practice field for the past month, and while he returned to the field this week, an injury designation is still something to watch entering Week 1.

However, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told the Bay Area media that both issues are not new.

The #49ers are now officially listing RB Christian McCaffrey’s injury as calf/Achilles on the injury report, which is not new but is listed in full disclosure.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2024

Christian McCaffrey, 27, has been dealing with a calf strain since injuring it during practice before the team’s first preseason game against the Tennessee Titans. He was held out ion precaution since then, with the achilles designation the only new information as the team is required to full disclose injury news moving forward. Both issues are connected, with the calf and achilles working in tandem.

Despite the soft-tissue injury lingering into the regular season, McCaffrey looked fresh on the practice field this week. The 49ers will do their best to manage their star player, seeing other key members of the team suffer long-term injuries from this ailment.

Linebacker Dre Greenlaw was the latest, rupturing his achilles during Super Bowl LVIII after carrying an injury designation in the weeks leading up.

It is still likley that he will play Week 1 against the New York Jets, with his workload undetermined at this time.

Christian McCaffrey still dealing with calf issue (but his behind-the-back ability is in midseason form). pic.twitter.com/SW1SKkdMUT

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 5, 2024

More on 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey led the NFL last season with a career-high 1,459 rushing yards on 272 attempts and racked up 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving). It was his first full season in San Francisco after a midseason trade from the Carolina Panthers in 2022.

McCaffrey has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns, adding 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 scores, in 91 games (84 starts) with the Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).

A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro selection, McCaffrey was rewarded with a two-year, $38 million extension this summer that runs through 2027.

McCaffrey also was chosen to be the cover athlete for this year’s edition of the “Madden NFL” video game series.