Kyle Shanahan clarifies Christian McCaffrey's injury absence ahead of season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 4:57 PM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the ongoing absence of running back Christian McCaffrey from practice. Shanahan emphasized that McCaffrey is not holding out for a contract but is dealing with tightness from an unspecified injury. He asserted that McCaffrey would participate if it were a game week. The 49ers have endured a strange offseason marked by social media antics from wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and a recent car accident involving Shanahan. The team aims to diminish distractions as they prepare for the upcoming season.
- •Shanahan confirms McCaffrey is sidelined due to injury, not contract issues.
- •McCaffrey is experiencing tightness, specifics not disclosed.
- •The 49ers had a tumultuous offseason with various distractions.
- •McCaffrey would practice if it were a game week, says Shanahan.
- 4:57 PMYahoo Sports — Kyle Shanahan explains Christian McCaffrey's absence
"Christian McCaffrey's absence raises some questions
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