49ers sensational players health status for playoffs get crucial update But Sadly…
With the 49ers clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the playoffs, they’re playing it safe with Christian McCaffrey.
By taking down the Washington Commanders in Week 17, and with a little help from the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers have clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the playoffs. Before the 49ers embark on their postseason journey, San Francisco wanted to ensure Christian McCaffrey was fully healthy.
Which is why the 49ers ruled McCaffrey out for their Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The goal is to have their star running back healthy for the Divisional Round.
McCaffrey is dealing with a calf injury he picked up against the Commanders. While it’ll hold him out of Week 18, head coach Kyle Shanahan is confident the RB will be ready for the playoffs. He said that it, “could’ve been a lot worse,” and that even McCaffrey is confident that he will return, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
“We’re real confident on that. It was good news. It could have been a lot worse,” Shanahan said. “We’re happy that they’ll take care of him this week and hopefully he’ll start getting to go during our off week.”
Losing Christian McCaffrey for any amount of time in the playoffs could spell doom for the 49ers. Through the regular season, CMC gained 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. He added another 564 yards and seven scores through the air. The running back is central figure in everything San Francisco wants to do on offense.
They won’t have the option to look McCaffrey’s way in Week 18. But with the 49ers’ playoff fate already sealed, San Fran is playing it safe ahead of the postseason.
McCaffrey got hurt in Sunday’s 27-10 victory at Washington that helped the 49ers clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC and a first-round bye. San Francisco (12-4) will host a divisional round playoff game on either Jan. 20 or 21, giving McCaffrey nearly three weeks to heal.
“We´re real confident on that,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday about McCaffrey being ready for the playoff opener. “It was good news. Could´ve been a lot worse. We´re happy it´ll take care of him this week. Hopefully he´ll start getting to go during our off week.”
McCaffrey leads the NFL with 1,459 yards rushing and 2,023 yards from scrimmage and is tied with Miami’s Raheem Mostert for the most touchdowns with 21.
Elijah Mitchell will take over the starting running back role this week against the Rams. Mitchell had 17 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders in his most extensive action of the season.
Shanahan said he hadn´t decided yet on whether he will rest any healthy players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, for the finale now that San Francisco has nothing at stake against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday.
“It is really a hard thing to do and it´s not always the best thing to do too,” Shanahan said about giving players a week off. “So, we´re going to take everything into account, but it´s still something we´re going to continue talking about throughout this day and tomorrow.”
In other injury news, starting cornerback Ambry Thomas will have surgery Tuesday on a broken hand but likely will be back for the playoff opener.
San Francisco will get receiver and return specialist Ray-Ray-McCloud back at practice this week after a stint on injured reserve. McCloud missed the past five games with injured ribs.
Defensive tackle Arik Armstead (foot, knee), tight end Ross Dwelley (ankle) and safety Ji’Ayir Brown (knee) are expected to miss this week to get more time to heal.
Receiver Jauan Jennings and offensive lineman Jaylon Moore remain in concussion protocol.
