San Francisco All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is listed as questionable for the season opener against the New York Jets due to a sore calf and Achilles.
McCaffrey got injured early in training camp and missed four weeks of practice before coming back this week. He was limited in practice all week and is officially questionable for Monday night’s game, even though he said on Friday that he was confident he would play.
The 49ers will also have All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams and star receiver Brandon Aiyuk available for the opener after both missed all of training camp because of contract disputes.
Coach Kyle Shanahan mentioned on Saturday that Aiyuk might be eased back into play and not get his usual full workload. This is more challenging with a left tackle, so Shanahan hopes Williams can play the whole game.
“Each day he’s gotten more comfortable,” Shanahan said. “He was obviously in shape and stuff, but it was good just to get back and hear the cadence coming off the ball and moving in with the other guys. He got better each day.”
McCaffrey has significantly improved San Francisco’s offense since being traded from Carolina midway through the 2022 season. In 27 games with the 49ers, McCaffrey has rushed for 2,205 yards and 20 touchdowns, and caught 119 passes for 1,028 yards and 11 scores.
He led the NFL last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and was tied for the league lead with 21 touchdowns, earning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.
Quarterback Brock Purdy said he doesn’t expect issues with rebuilding chemistry with McCaffrey, Williams, and Aiyuk despite the lack of practice time over the summer.
