Christian McCaffrey, the starting running back for the San Francisco 49ers, is dealing with a calf injury, raising concerns for the 2025 season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. He was a limited participant in Thursday's practice, and his status remains questionable for Week 1.
The 49ers are cautiously optimistic about his availability, but given his history of leg injuries, including bilateral Achilles tendinitis in 2024, there is a significant risk of recurrence. The team plans to announce his game status only 90 minutes before kickoff, and even if active, McCaffrey may be on a limited snap count.
From a fantasy perspective, McCaffrey's high-risk profile makes him a volatile RB1 option. Managers should monitor his status closely and consider alternative plans, such as starting Brian Robinson Jr., who is projected to take on a larger role if McCaffrey is limited or unavailable.