The San Francisco 49ers running back room might’ve received some good news when it comes to Christian McCaffrey’s mystery tightness.
Or maybe it’s not good news. It depends on where your head is at.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that McCaffrey is not missing practice due to a potential hold-in and deemed his injury to be real, but not something to be worried about.
“For real this does not seem like anything to be worried about,” Rapoport said on “The Insiders.”
“The timing of this coming right after Jahmyr Gibbs, right after Bijan Robinson got paid. My understanding: coincidence. Christian McCaffrey should be fine.”
Hours before Rapoport reported the update on McCaffrey, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported that the team is releasing veteran running back Khalil Herbert, who was the team’s leading rusher during their preseason week 1 loss to the Tennessee Titans.
Dropping Herbert might mean the team feels confident their All-Pro running back will be just fine. The journeyman tailback rushed six times for 18 yards and caught two passes for another 35 yards in the 49ers’ preseason opener.
McCaffrey’s potential hold-in comes before the veteran running back is set to make $12.5 million in non-guaranteed money this season, after signing a two-year, $38 million extension in 2024 that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season.
Last season, McCaffrey was crowned the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year after rushing for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns. He led the 49ers to the divisional round of the NFC Playoffs.
McCaffrey has struggled to stay healthy over the last six seasons, as he’s been plagued with injuries three times over the last six years, including 2024, when he was dealing with an Achilles injury that resulted in him appearing in only four games and carrying the ball 50 times.
