“I've Been My Own Worst Enemy”: Christian McCaffrey Gives Update On Calf Injury Ahead Of 49ers Vs. Seahawks Game
Christian McCaffrey has been at a place with sudden midweek injury reports, nervous chatter among San Francisco 49ers fans, and questions about whether he will be available for a big game. This time again, the All-Pro running back’s calf issue forced him out of Thursday’s practice, just three days before the 49ers’ Week 1 showdown with the Seattle Seahawks. However, speaking in Santa Clara on Friday, he insisted the situation wasn’t nearly as concerning as the headlines made it seem.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan has officially listed the 29-year-old as questionable for Sunday. While McCaffrey declined to share details about what caused him to shut things down, he implied that the decision was more of a precautionary measure.
“I feel great about my physical condition,” McCaffrey told reporters. “Nothing serious, I can tell you that. Unfortunately, when you have an injury history like I have, sometimes when you don’t practice, things get blown out of proportion.”
He also explained his willingness to stay back from practice, claiming that it was the right thing to do for him.
“I’ve been there before and I’ve been my own worst enemy in situations like that and I was proud of myself for not doing that again. I went through a whole training camp and I feel great about where I’m at,” added McCaffrey.
The 49ers know just how much his presence matters. McCaffrey missed much of the 2024 season with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a PCL issue, and San Francisco’s offense sputtered without its dynamic centerpiece. His ability to stay on the field could be the deciding factor in whether the 49ers start strong in one of the league’s toughest road environments at Lumen Field.
As of now, Christian McCaffrey feels confident that he’ll be ready to go. The official word will come when the inactives are released on Sunday.
49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Has Plan B Against Christian McCaffrey’s Injury
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Thursday that Christian McCaffrey did not participate in practice, with questions swirling about his availability for Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. While Shanahan stopped short of offering details on the injury, the star running back himself insisted it was “nothing serious” and praised his own restraint in not pushing through the session.
The concern comes just a year after McCaffrey missed most of the 2024 season with Achilles tendinitis and a torn PCL. This summer, he enjoyed a strong camp with a carefully managed workload, which made Thursday’s absence all the more surprising.
If McCaffrey cannot suit up Sunday, the 49ers will turn to newly acquired Brian Robinson Jr. to handle the starting role. Robinson, traded from the Washington Commanders on August 22, was immediately named the No. 2 back behind McCaffrey. Though he’s had limited time in the system, Shanahan expressed confidence in the veteran’s ability to step in.
“Brian knows the game plan,” Shanahan said. “You don’t have to know the entire offense. You need to know what the plan is this week. He’s repped it, so if that’s the situation, we’re good to go with it. He’s ready for it, and I know Isaac [Guerendo] will be also.”
Behind Robinson, Shanahan has options in Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James, though James is doubtful as he recovers from a broken finger. If both McCaffrey and James are sidelined, the Niners could elevate Sincere McCormick from the practice squad to bolster depth.
Robinson, who has experience as an NFL starter, said he prepares every week as if he’ll be the one taking the first snap, per ESPN.
“I’ve been a starter in this league, so I know what it takes to prepare like one,” Robinson explained. “That doesn’t change depending on who else is here. I’ve got to be ready to go at any moment.”
Whether Christian McCaffrey is cleared in time for Seattle or Robinson leads the backfield, Kyle Shanahan made clear the 49ers feel prepared either way.
Former Lions Pro Bowler Lands a New Role on Dan Campbell's Staff
The Detroit Lions open the 2025 season with high expectations, and an early-season matchup against the Green Bay Packers could determine who has a share of the early advantage in the NFC North. While there are plenty of storylines in the game, one of the biggest is Dan Campbell’s new look coaching staff after losing eight assistants since the end of last year.
The departures of coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson are the ones that have Lions fans the most worried heading into Green Bay. But Campbell also had to plug holes elsewhere on his staff, which has him turning to former Lions Pro Bowler Don Muhlbach.
Former Pro Bowler Don Mulbach Gets Expanded Gameday Role on Lions Staff
Mulbach has been around the Lions for a long time, logging 260 games as the team’s long snapper from 2004 to 2020. A two-time Pro Bowler with selections in 2012 and 2018, Muhlbach became a special assistant to the team president after his retirement and Lions Wire’s Jeff Risdon noted that it was not uncommon to see him on the practice field helping special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
Those roles were expanded this week when Campbell tabbed Muhlbach to replace Jon Dykema’s role of being Campbell’s in-game management helper. The role was left vacant as Dykema left for the Jacksonville Jaguars this spring and includes helping Campbell’s decision to throw challenge flags after a play.
“He does a ton, and has done a ton, since he was hired here helping on special teams,” Campbell said via Risdon. “He wears a ton of different hats. … It just felt like this was going to be the right fit. He’s got a pretty good grasp, pretty good feel of what I want. And I also know he’s got conviction about him when he sees something or believes something.”
Having a new voice in Campbell’s ear could do him wonders. In his 20 career challenges as a head coach, nine have been overturned according to Pro Football Reference. Although last season was the first in his career where he had more challenges overturned (3) than upheld (2).
Regardless of the results, Campbell wanted someone who was assertive when making the decision on whether to throw the flag. It remains to be seen whether Muhlbach’s assignment will pay off but Campbell seems confident the move will work out.
