Niners Nation
We all got the same notification: “Christian McCaffrey returned to practice!” National reporters took that and ran with it, saying, “A big sigh of relief for the San Francisco 49ers.”
The Niners have several level-headed media members who aren’t looking to go viral. It’s important to remember that we are only allowed to watch 15-20 minutes of practice, generally just the stretching and individual drills, before getting kicked out.
Matt Maiocco clarified an initial report, citing that McCaffrey was working on the side field as the Niners began practice. He was not with the rest of the team during their pre-practice routine. Eric Branch noticed McCaffrey briefly going to the weight room at the start of individual drills. Cam Inman caught video and photos of McCaffrey, who typically warms up on his own:
Now is a good reminder that we aren’t owed anything. Why would the 49ers risk McCaffrey showing a limp while the media is present? What sense does it make to share that the focal point of your offense is potentially hobbled 48 hours before kickoff?
Here’s more of McCaffrey’s warm-up:
The one player who was not present was edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos. His lone practice of the week was Thursday, which is generally a sign that the player won’t suit up for Sunday’s game. However, Gross-Matos is not listed on the injury report, despite not participating during Friday’s practice. Kyle Shanahan said he’s a full-go for Sunday.
Shanahan provided the final injury report ahead of Week 1’s matchup against the Seattle Seahawks:
Doubtful:
WR Jordan Watkins (ankle)
RB Jordan James (finger)
Questionable:
Christian McCaffrey (calf)
Christian McCaffrey did not officially practice on Friday. Kyle Shanahan was asked what his level of concern was, and he said, “Questionable. Questionable concern.” He went out of his way to say, “I’m not going to say anything about our injured guys.”
Shanahan said McCaffrey did a limited amount during Thursday’s practice, but wouldn’t confirm whether he participated in any team drills. He did confirm that whatever injury McCaffrey suffered happened during Thursday’s practice.
Remember, McCaffrey was also questionable ahead of Week 1 last year, only to miss the next eight games.
Brian Robinson is in his first full week of practice and is still getting to know the playbook. Shanahan said that Robinson knows the game plan, and you don’t have to know the entire playbook to know the game plan. Robinson and Isaac Guerendo are the next running backs in line to get touches after McCaffrey.
As for Jauan Jennings, he’ll play. Shanahan believes Jennings had a good week of practice: “Real confident. I think Jauan has had a real good week. He’s gotten better and better throughout the week. I’m excited to see him out there on Sunday.”
Right guard Dominick Puni was limited for the first two days of practice, but he participated in full on Friday.
Everybody else on the roster was a full participant at practice and will be good for Sunday.
The Seattle Seahawks ruled...
