San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey might have another calf issue to start the season.
Christian McCaffrey Calf Injury Update
Here is today’s 49ers injury report in which RB Christian McCaffey was added with a calf injury one day after he fully participated in practice: pic.twitter.com/ohjq3sALPv
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025
San Francisco, you might have a problem.
On Thursday’s injury report, McCaffrey was listed as limited with a calf injury. McCaffrey did not have an injury designation for Wednesday’s practice.
McCaffrey missed most of the 2024 season with a lingering calf injury. McCaffrey suffered a calf and Achilles injury during training camp, and the injury kept him out most of the preseason.
The 49ers believed McCaffrey would be ready for Week 1. However, San Francisco scratched McCaffrey before their game against the Jets.
Heading into Week 2, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that McCaffrey had suffered a setback, leading the team to put him on injured reserve.
McCaffrey missed the first nine weeks of the season before debuting in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During the team’s Week 14 game against the Buffalo Bills, McCaffrey left the game with a right knee injury and did not return. The 49ers put McCaffrey on IR, which ended his season.
McCaffrey’s final 2024 numbers: 202 rushing yards, 146 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns.
If the 49ers want to return to the top of the AFC, they will need a healthy McCaffrey.
The 29-year-old is two years removed from a season where he led the league in rushing (1,459 yards) and yards from scrimmage (2,023). McCaffrey also had 14 rushing touchdowns and seven receiving touchdowns.
49ers Hoping To Return To Prominence In 2025
Before Christian McCaffrey was listed on the #49ers injury report, I asked George Kittle just how eager CMC was to get out on the field for Sunday? pic.twitter.com/OvryVfVIDf
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) September 5, 2025
In 2024, the 49ers experienced the year from hell.
After losing their second Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs, the 49ers entered 2024 hoping to repeat as NFC champions.
Injuries derailed their season. McCaffrey wasn’t the only big name to go down last year. Injuries caused wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, quarterback Brock Purdy, tight end George Kittle, and left tackle Trent Williams to miss time.
After starting 5-4, the 49ers lost seven of their last eight games to finish the season at 6-11.
Aiyuk is still injured and won’t return until at least October. However, Purdy, Kittle, and Williams are ready to go.
McCaffrey’s status will now have to be monitored heading into Week 1.
The 49ers hit the road to play the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.
