Christian McCaffrey’s absence from practice continues to draw attention, particularly because the San Francisco 49ers have described the issue only as “tightness.”
What happened to Christian McCaffrey?
McCaffrey was held out of Monday’s practice because of the discomfort and remained sidelined Tuesday as San Francisco held a joint practice with the Tennessee Titans.
Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reported that the veteran running back did not take part in the session.
Is McCaffrey injured?
The 49ers have indicated that McCaffrey is dealing with some soreness, with offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak explaining that the team is “just managing” the situation, according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Mike Evans returns
Meanwhile, wide receiver Mike Evans returned to the practice field Tuesday after missing roughly a week because of a quad strain.
The 49ers are expected to be cautious with Evans as he works his way back, limiting his workload to reduce the risk of aggravating the injury.
Kubiak provides McCaffrey update
Kubiak offered an encouraging assessment of McCaffrey, saying the running back was “doing fine” while emphasizing that the team is carefully monitoring his workload.
“Christian always kind of has his rep count in any camp,” Kubiak said.
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“You guys are aware of the adjustments we’ve made to our schedule to kind of keep them from having too many off days. But in terms of his rep load, we’re right on track where we want to be. He’s a veteran player, so you got to monitor him and get him ready for the first week,” the offensive coordinator added.
49ers seek reliable backup
San Francisco is also looking for ways to reduce McCaffrey’s workload this season by developing a dependable backup.
The 30-year-old led the NFL with 413 touches from scrimmage during the 2025 regular season, making workload management an important part of his preparation.
Injuries create depth concerns
The 49ers are also dealing with a depleted running back room, with all three of their leading candidates to serve as McCaffrey’s backups currently sidelined.
Rookie Kaelon Black is nursing an adductor injury, while second-year running back Jordan James suffered broken ribs early in training camp.
Isaac Guerendo, now in his third season, is also unavailable after sustaining a torn pectoral muscle earlier in the offseason.
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With McCaffrey and the other injured backs unavailable, Patrick Taylor Jr., Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert took on most of the running back duties during Monday’s practice.