San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey has missed some recent practices with a calf strain. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is one of several key players who have been sitting out of practice for the 49ers. But is McCaffrey concerned about his injury? He doesn’t appear to be.
McCaffrey, appearing on SiriusXM NFL Radio, said if the 49ers had a regular season game, he would be ready to go. “Yeah, I feel great. Very cautionary stuff. If we had a game, I would play, but just trying to be smart right now. But still training, still getting a bunch of work in, so that come week one, we’re ready to roll.”
"If we had a game, I would play."@49ers RB Christian McCaffrey provides an update on his calf strain and what makes Kyle Shanahan's offense special.
đ» https://t.co/fU0fsMlNIE#FTTB | #NFLTrainingCamp pic.twitter.com/qlWAdKzqX5
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) August 9, 2024
McCaffrey, while discussing his injury, also discussed what it’s like playing for a guy like Kyle Shanahan, who is not only the 49ers’ head coach but also the offensive player caller. McCaffrey said he is sometimes asked if he recommends plays to Shanahan. “Absolutely not,” said McCaffrey. “No. I think I may have did it one time. No, I listen to what he says because he’s much smarter than all of us when it comes to calling plays.”
McCaffrey admits that not only is Shanahan a great play-caller, but he’s really good at explaining why he wants his players to do certain things. And when you add the dynamic players the 49ers have, all playing with one mind and for one purpose, you get the kind of offensive explosion the 49ers had last season.
Of course, the 49ers are currently missing two of their best offensive players right now, WR Brandon Aiyuk, who is in camp, but not practicing, and LT Trent Williams, who is holding out. There is a bit of good news surrounding Aiyuk, though. According to NFL Insider, Jordan Schultz, the 49ers have restarted negotiations on a long-term deal with Aiyuk.
Sources: #49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk recently had a sit-down meeting with Kyle Shanahan and others in the organization where âsome open and candid thoughts were expressed.â The two sides have since restarted negotiations on a long-term deal and there is some optimism that Aiyuk⊠pic.twitter.com/8HE6DSzFV2
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 9, 2024
Working out a new deal with Aiyuk and having McCaffrey healthy would be an excellent start to the 49ers getting back on track and defending their NFC crown.
