San Francisco 49ers: Kyle Shanahan Revealed Concerning Update On Christian McCaffrey’s Injury Status
The San Francisco 49ers clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC in the NFL playoffs after beating the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
While 49ers fans are likely thrilled about yesterday’s result, all of the news after the game wasn’t positive.
Star running back Christian 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.
Peter King of NBC Sports reported on Monday that McCaffrey has been diagnosed with a calf strain
“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.
San Francisco 49ers Should Be Concerned About Christian McCaffrey’s Injury History
While Shanahan is going to naturally downplay the injury, McCaffrey’s injury history shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“I think it was minor and just made the smart move, especially not knowing what was going to happen next week,” McCaffrey said, via Nick Wagoner of ESPN. “I didn’t just want to go in there and make it any worse. With certain things, you can’t be dumb about it.”
McCaffrey had 14 carries for 64 yards and four catches for 27 yards on Sunday before heading to the sideline after the injury.
