Report: McCaffrey likely to play in opener despite calf injury

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is trending toward playing Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, sources told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Coach Kyle Shanahan announced Friday that McCaffrey was questionable for the matchup due to a calf injury that forced him to miss Friday's practice. The star tailback was also a limited participant during Thursday's session.

But barring any additional setbacks, it's expected he'll take the field for his team's season opener, according to Rapoport.

The 49ers elevated wide receiver Russell Gage and linebacker Curtis Robinson from the practice squad ahead of the game, but didn't activate a running back, another sign they're optimistic about McCaffrey's status.

McCaffrey himself said he feels good ahead of Week 1.

"Nothing serious," McCaffrey said about his injury, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. "I feel great about where I'm at. Unfortunately, with the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don't practice, things get blown out of proportion. Like I said, I feel great."

McCaffrey added, "I felt like it was the smart thing to do and not finish the practice because I've been there before."

A calf issue also bothered McCaffrey last season, as the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year was limited to four appearances in 2024. When healthy, McCaffrey has been an integral part of the 49ers' offense.

"I forgot about last year, I forgot about the year before that, and the year before that," McCaffrey said. "I'm focused on this week and playing Seattle."

San Francisco also rosters running backs Brian Robinson, Isaac Guerendo, and fifth-round rookie Jordan James. The team acquired Robinson in a trade from the Washington Commanders in August.