Christian McCaffrey is facing some injury concerns again.
The 49ers have listed McCaffrey, who’s 29, as a limited participant in practice on Thursday because of a calf issue just ahead of the first game on Sunday.
Last year, McCaffrey missed a significant chunk of the season due to an Achilles injury, only playing four games for the 49ers.
The Stanford alum has had a rough time with injuries in past seasons, missing a lot of games in 2020 and 2021, as he only appeared in 10 games combined over those two years.
So far, though, he seems to be in good shape during training camp. Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned last month that McCaffrey is starting to look like his old self again.
“Yeah, I think he was hit like 25. [mph] Or something like that yesterday. I’m just making it up,” Shanahan joked while discussing McCaffrey’s performance and his transition to being an All-Pro again.
“We’re trying to make Christian happy. He’s doing great things. He’s as fast as he was. He’s fast. He’s strong. He’s Christian McCaffrey.”
Other players have chimed in about McCaffrey’s health as well. Left tackle Trent Williams remarked in August that both All-Pro players were “100% healthy.”
“You look at him, he looks great,” Williams said. “He resembles the Offensive Player of the Year version of himself, which is thrilling considering what he had to deal with last year. It’s tough when an injury keeps you from doing what you love.”
“Seeing him this year, he’s treating every play like it’s the last one, and that energy motivates me, especially when I’m working alongside a talent like him.”
Quarterback Brock Purdy also shared his thoughts, stating McCaffrey is “ready to chase after it” this season.
“Physically, he looks good. He cuts well and runs hard. He’s back to being McCaffrey, which is great to see,” Purdy said. “Mentally, he seems focused and eager to give it his all this season.”
“That’s him. He keeps talking to everyone in the locker room, saying, ‘Hey, I can’t wait. I can’t wait.’
