San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is questionable for the team’s season opener at the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday due to a lingering calf issue.
After McCaffrey appeared on Thursday’s injury report as a limited practice participant with a calf injury, he sat out practice on Friday.
Asked how concerned he was that the former All-Pro would miss Week 1, coach Mike Shanahan said, “He’s questionable. Questionable concern.”
Later on, McCaffrey told reporters that he feels “great” and plans to play.
“Unfortunately, when you have the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don’t practice things get blown out of proportion,” he said.
A calf issue cropped up for the three-time Pro Bowler last fall, as well, which was eventually diagnosed as an Achilles sprain. That injury caused him to miss the first eight games of the season, and he lost five more games to close the year with a PCL sprain.
McCaffrey finished with career lows in rushing yards (202), rushing touchdowns (zero), receptions (15) and receiving yards (146).
Last month, the 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson Jr. from the Washington Commanders, and he would be in line to start against Seattle if McCaffrey is unavailable.
San Francisco defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and receiver Jauan Jennings (calf) are expected to play against Seattle. Running back Jordan James (finger) and receiver Jordan Watkins (ankle) are doubtful.
