ChristianMcCaffrey

News: 5 days agoCoach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that McCaffrey (calf) is nursing a calf strain and is unlikely to suit up for any preseason action, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Spin: Shanahan said McCaffrey's injury is minor, but that he'll nonetheless miss "a couple weeks" of practice and likely all of San Francisco's exhibition matchups. At the very least, the star running back figures to sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Titans. Per Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News, Shanahan stated that McCaffrey sustained the injury a few days ago. Having inked a two-year, $38 million extension in June, the 28-year-old is primed for a pivotal role again in the 49ers offense, especially if a Brandon Aiyuk trade comes to fruition. Jennifer Lee Chan of NBC Sports Bay Area reports that McCaffrey's calf injury doesn't appear likely to limit him Week 1 versus the Jets, which is nearly a month away. Backups Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and Isaac Guerendo (hamstring) are also dealing with injuries of their own, leading to the Monday signing of Matt Breida to join Jordan Mason as a depth option.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: McCaffrey recorded the most fantasy points per game (24.5) and the third-most fantasy points overall (391) among all players last season. He ranked inside the top three fantasy producers at the position in nearly every statistical category -- from rushing yards (1,459, RB1) and receiving yards (564, RB2) to evaded tackles (77, RB1) and total TDs (21, RB1) -- the 28-year-old stayed healthy for a second straight season. McCaffrey is the centerpiece of the 49ers' explosive offense and he deserves to be at the top of draft boards this summer.