Yahoo Sports NFL on Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey's 'tightness' absence raised questions but was planned load management, not contract-related.

The 49ers termed McCaffrey's recent absence as 'tightness,' which raised eyebrows given he had calf tightness during 2024 training camp that carried into the season. The source notes his absence prompted speculation about whether it was contract-related, though 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said recently that McCaffrey's absence was not related to his contract. McCaffrey played only four games in 2024 with Achilles tendinitis and a separate posterior collateral ligament injury, leading the 49ers to implement a deliberate practice schedule going forward.

Christian McCaffreyRB · SFPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight