It is no secret that the San Francisco 49ers have been hit hard by the injury bug for much of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s tenure with them and during both of the last two seasons.
Since training camp started earlier this summer, it has looked a bit as if this season could be yet another injury-plagued campaign for the Niners. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, whom the team has pretty high hopes for, is out for the season after undergoing PCL surgery. He had experienced swelling in his knee that was linked to a PCL injury he suffered last season and limited him to nine games.
When star running back Christian McCaffrey was sidelined in early August due to what was termed “tightness,” members of Niners Faithful held their collective breath and wondered if the team’s biggest offensive weapon would be OK. But he was back at practice on Sunday, albeit in a limited capacity.
Per Nick Wagoner of ESPN, McCaffrey said that his extended absence was part of a plan.
“Obviously when you don’t practice, the way the media works now it’s a firestorm,” McCaffrey said. “But this was kind of part of the plan from the jump was to ramp up pretty big, get nine, 10 practices in, kind of come back down and then ramp back up so we’re fresh for the duration. Our staff’s done a great job of coming up with specific plans. And again, I feel great. I feel fresh, and it’s good to be back out there.”
McCaffrey’s workload and the 49ers’ RB2 battle
David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Over the last few years, McCaffrey has been the Niners’ workhorse on offense. He is not only a very productive rusher, but he is also a true dual-threat running back, as he can not only catch screen passes but also line up at the line of scrimmage as a makeshift wide receiver.
Last season, he had a career-high 311 carries and rushed for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 924 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 receptions. Therein lies the concern with him.
He has historically been injury-prone, especially following seasons during which he has been heavily used. After turning 30 years of age in June, his workload definitely needs to be managed.
McCaffrey’s ticking odometer makes the 49ers’ RB2 competition even more important to watch, as well as RB3 and RB4. Isaac Guerendo is out with a pec injury, and Jordan James recently returned to practice after dealing with a fractured rib.
It has been thought that James has a great shot at being named RB2, but rookie Kaelon Black played well last week versus the Los Angeles Chargers, and he could have a real chance at getting some snaps once the regular season starts.
