49ers injury news: Will Christian McCaffrey play in NFC Championship vs. Eagles?

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is dealing with a calf injury, so will he end up playing in the NFC Championship game against the Eagles?

The San Francisco 49ers are going to require an all-out effort in the NFC Championship game against the top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles if they hope to advance to Super Bowl LVII, and one of the ways that might be reached is if head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense can take advantage of one of Philly’s few weaknesses: the run game.

Philadelphia allowed an average of 4.6 yards per carry during the regular season, and it might be one of the best ways for Shanahan and Co. to attack head coach Nick Sirianni’s defense, especially considering the Eagles’ pass rush led the way with a whopping 70 sacks.

However, the success of that happening relies heavily upon Niners running back Christian McCaffrey.

49ers vs. Eagles: Is Christian McCaffrey injured?

Following San Francisco’s divisional-round victory over the Dallas Cowboys, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed to reporters that McCaffrey had suffered a calf injury during the game.

That said, the 2019 first-team All-Pro managed 35 receiving yards on 10 carries and scored the 49ers’ only touchdown.

Later during the week, Shanahan clarified to reporters that McCaffrey did suffer the injury but would be considered day-to-day, fully expected to return to action for the NFC Championship game on Sunday.

49ers will need Christian McCaffrey vs. Eagles

Philadelphia doesn’t have too many defensive weaknesses, but it is somewhat vulnerable against the run.

McCaffrey has already proven his ability to be a bell cow for Shanahan, and it appears as if that’s what the 49ers will need to both take down the Eagles’ defense while keeping quarterback Jalen Hurts and a dangerous Philly offense off the field.

Based on the previous statements from Shanahan, and barring any setbacks, it would appear as if McCaffrey will be fully available when the Niners and Eagles square off in the NFC Championship game on Sunday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. ET.