NFL player Christian McCaffrey, a key member of the San Francisco 49ers team, may not play in the season opener due to a calf injury.

Christian McCaffrey Questionable for San Francisco 49ers' Season Opener

San Francisco 49ers star running back, Christian McCaffrey, is facing uncertainty ahead of the team's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks. McCaffrey, who returned to form last summer after a season-ending knee injury in 2022, is questionable due to a calf injury sustained during practice this week.

McCaffrey's injury has kept him out of practice entirely on Friday. Coach Kyle Shanahan, however, declined to provide details about the nature of the injury, only stating that McCaffrey is questionable for Sunday's game at Seattle.

Last season, McCaffrey missed almost all of training camp with a calf injury and was a late scratch for the season opener due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. The running back went to Germany to see a specialist and missed the first eight games of the 2022 season.

Despite the setback, the 49ers have a potential replacement in Brian Robinson, who was recently acquired from Washington. Robinson has been learning the 49ers offense and is expected to share the rushing duties with Isaac Guerendo.

Meanwhile, McCaffrey's absence could be a significant blow for the 49ers, considering his transformative impact on the team's offense after being acquired midway through the 2022 season in a trade from Carolina. In the 2023 season, McCaffrey won the AP Offensive Player of the Year award after leading the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tying for the league lead with 21 touchdowns.

The Seahawks, too, will be missing key players for the game. They have ruled out receiver Jake Bobo, linebacker Uchenna Nwosu, and receiver Dareke Young due to injuries. Rookie running back Jordan James and rookie receiver Jordan Watkins are both listed as doubtful for the game.

However, the Seahawks do have rookie receiver Tory Horton available for the game. On the other hand, receiver Jauan Jennings is set to play for the 49ers after missing almost all of training camp due to a calf injury and a contract dispute. The Niners have given Jennings the opportunity to earn additional $3 million in playing time incentives.

Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, who missed all of training camp due to a knee injury, has been cleared to play for the 49ers.

As the season opener approaches, both teams will be hoping for full strength and a successful start to their campaigns. The 49ers and the Seahawks will face off on Sunday, with McCaffrey's status remaining a question mark.

NFL player Christian McCaffrey, a key member of the San Francisco 49ers team, may not play in the season opener due to a calf injury.