Fresh McCaffrey setback only the start of the nightmare for injury-plagued 49ers
McCaffrey was not involved in 49ers practice on Tuesday, ahead of the game against the Seahawks.
The San Francisco 49ers are heading into a pivotal Week 18 showdown against the Seattle Seahawks with a few injury questions circling their locker room, including running back Christian McCaffrey.
On Tuesday, McCaffrey was absent from practice due to back stiffness, a development that puts a slight cloud over his preparation for Saturday’s game at Levi’s Stadium. The issue, according to McCaffrey himself, does not appear to be serious, and he expressed confidence that he will be ready to play when it matters most.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that the decision to hold McCaffrey out of Tuesday’s session was precautionary; McCaffrey has been managing some discomfort since the team’s December 14 contest against the Tennessee Titans.
Christian McCaffrey this season finished...
— Underdog (@Underdog) December 30, 2025
as a top-5 RB on the week in 8/16 games
as a top-12 RB in 13/16 games
as a top-20 RB in 15/16 games
The healthiest man there has ever been. pic.twitter.com/q2jsTDaFaO
“I wouldn’t assume that he’ll play, we’re barely moving today”
“I know he battled it hard that week, but I haven’t heard anything about it since,” Shanahan said. “It might have stiffened up in the game, and it was sore from Sunday night, so that’s why we’ve got him on here today.”
The 49ers are also monitoring the status of left tackle Trent Williams, who was sidelined on Tuesday with a right hamstring issue which came during Sunday’s narrow win over the Chicago Bears. Williams’ availability is less certain, and Shanahan did not commit to a timeline for his return. “Not sure how long [he’ll be out],” he admitted. “He’s got a shot for this week.”
Tight end George Kittle, another key offensive contributor, was limited in practice after missing last week with an ankle sprain.
#49ers Christian McCaffrey on the growth of Brock Purdy as a QB:
— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) December 31, 2025
“He's grown up a lot, but I've got to say, from the first game he played, he's never gotten enough credit. When I look at his resume and what he's done throughout his career, he's a special football player. One of… pic.twitter.com/i619icYhV7
While his participation on Tuesday is a positive sign, Shanahan stopped short of confirming Kittle’s readiness for the weekend, saying: “I wouldn’t assume that [he’ll play this week]. We’re barely moving today. We have a short week, so we won’t be doing much all week.” Receiver Ricky Pearsall, defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos and cornerback Upton Stout are all also dealing with various injuries.
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