The San Francisco 49ers appear to have avoided any major concerns with Christian McCaffrey heading into the 2026 season. The star running back is healthy, practicing fully, and has returned to regular team drills after missing time during training camp.
McCaffrey is expected to be a key part of San Francisco’s offense again, especially with the team preparing for a unique Week 1 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams in Australia.
What Happened to Christian McCaffrey?
McCaffrey’s absence from practice was mainly related to calf tightness and workload management. At 30 years old, the 49ers are being careful with their star running back after he handled a heavy workload last season, finishing 2025 with 413 touches. He also posted an impact score of 86.2 last season, ranking third at his position on PFN’s RB Impact Rankings.
The team held McCaffrey out of practice for about two weeks in August as a precaution. The goal was to give him time to recover, rebuild his conditioning, and avoid unnecessary stress on his body before the regular season.
His absence led to speculation that something more serious might be going on, including questions about his contract. However, McCaffrey and head coach Kyle Shanahan both made it clear that the time away from practice was planned.
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With McCaffrey now back in full team drills, those concerns appear to have eased.
Christian McCaffrey (tightness) seen participating in practice Tuesday.
(via @mattblively)pic.twitter.com/62sxMstyNI
— Underdog NFL (@UnderdogNFL) September 1, 2026
The 49ers will open their regular season with a major international trip. The team is traveling roughly 15 hours to Melbourne to face the Los Angeles Rams on Friday, September 11, at 10:35 a.m. local time at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Because of the 17-hour time difference, fans in the United States will see the game broadcast live during prime time on Thursday night, September 10, at 5:35 p.m. PT / 8:35 p.m. ET.
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San Francisco is leaving early to give players almost a week to adjust to the significant time difference. The team is also placing a strong focus on sleep and recovery during the trip to help players deal with jet lag.
49ers Have Several Other Injury Questions
McCaffrey isn’t the only major 49ers player being monitored ahead of Week 1.
Nick Bosa is dealing with soreness and knee tendinitis, but is expected to travel and return to practice. Mike Evans remains day-to-day with a groin strain, though the 49ers expect him to play in Week 1.
George Kittle is working back from a torn Achilles and is being evaluated for contact. Kyle Juszczyk’s finger injury is not expected to keep him out, while Jacob Cowing remains questionable with groin tightness.
Will Christian McCaffrey Play in Week 1?
At this point, there is little reason to doubt McCaffrey’s availability for the season opener.
He is healthy and back to full participation, making him likely to play in Week 1 against the Rams. His earlier absence was mainly for precautionary workload management, and he has had no setbacks since returning.
