Christian McCaffreyRB | 49ers

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (tightness) said practice absences plannedAugust 24, 2026 | 05:03 AM

Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Sunday, his first time on the field with his teammates since Aug. 8. The 49ers' terming his injury as "tightness" raised some eyebrows given he had calf tightness during the 2024 training camp that carried into the season. His absence has some others wondering whether it had anything to do with his contract. The running back said Sunday the time away was planned as part of his load management.