Kyle Shanahan downplays Christian McCaffrey’s absence from practice

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan doesn’t appear overly concerned about Christian McCaffrey’s recent absence from practice, offering reassurance Tuesday that the star running back is dealing with nothing more than some tightness.

McCaffrey has missed time during training camp, leading to questions about whether the veteran running back could be dealing with a more significant issue.

Those questions grew Tuesday after Pro Football Talk speculated that his absence could be related to contract issues.

Shanahan quickly dismissed that possibility.

“People make a lot of assumptions, and that would be one that they’re wrong on,” Shanahan said.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)

More on 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

When asked about Christian McCaffrey’s potential return to practice, Shanahan provided perhaps the most encouraging update of the day. He suggested that if McCaffrey were any other player, the running back probably would have been on the field Tuesday.

“I think if it wasn’t Christian and we were in a game week, I think he would play today,” Shanahan said.

Shanahan was then asked whether the issue was related to McCaffrey’s calf or Achilles. He made it clear that neither was the concern.

“No, just some tightness,” Shanahan said. “He’ll get sensitive if I say where.”

That response should provide some optimism for the 49ers as they prepare for Thursday’s preseason matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Shanahan indicated that several San Francisco starters are expected to play, though he has yet to inform the team exactly who will take the field.

Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Christian McCaffrey’s availability will understandably remain one of the biggest storylines surrounding the 49ers as the regular season approaches. The 30-year-old is coming off an outstanding 2025 campaign in which he appeared in all 17 games and reminded the league why he remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive weapons.

McCaffrey finished 2025 with 1,202 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns while adding 924 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns on 102 receptions. His production earned him Comeback Player of the Year honors, a Pro Bowl selection, and First-Team All-Pro recognition.

With that kind of workload and production, the 49ers have every reason to be cautious with McCaffrey during training camp. Shanahan’s comments suggest the team is treating the tightness as a precaution rather than a serious injury.

For San Francisco, the priority is getting Christian McCaffrey healthy and ready for the games that matter. Based on Shanahan’s comments Tuesday, there doesn’t appear to be significant concern about whether that will happen.

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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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