Christian McCaffrey cleared to play Week 1 for 49ers against Seahawks
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports star running back 'good to go' after brief calf concern; kickoff 4:05 p.m. Sunday in Seattle
Christian McCaffrey will play for the San Francisco 49ers in their season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, despite being listed on the team's injury report with a calf issue earlier in the week.
The 29-year-old running back was added to the injury report ahead of the game after a calf concern emerged, but Schefter said Sunday that McCaffrey is "good to go" for the 4:05 p.m. kickoff in Seattle. McCaffrey had told reporters Friday he planned to play in Week 1 and reiterated confidence in his health.
McCaffrey was limited to four games last season after suffering a calf issue earlier in the year and later dealing with additional knee injuries. He said Friday, "I feel great about where I'm at. Unfortunately, when you have the injury history that I have, sometimes when you don't practice, things get blown out of proportion." A year ago he appeared set to play in the season opener against the New York Jets before being made inactive and ultimately sidelined until November with calf and ACL injuries.
The 49ers enter the game a year removed from a Super Bowl appearance but coming off a 6-11 finish in 2024 that left them outside the postseason. McCaffrey's availability is a notable development for San Francisco's offense, as the two-time All-Pro has been a central playmaker since joining the team and is expected to shoulder a heavy workload when healthy.
San Francisco's decision to clear McCaffrey for the opener follows routine pregame evaluations and the club's handling of his recent limited practice appearances. The team has been cautious with his deployment given his injury history, but the player's public confidence and the report from Schefter indicate the 49ers will have their primary ball carrier available at Lumen Field.
Kickoff between the 49ers and Seahawks is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. Sunday in Seattle. With the season opener under way, the game will provide an early indicator of how McCaffrey's health and the 49ers' offense will shape the team's first step out of a disappointing 2024 campaign.
