49ers' opening injury report casts doubt on superstar's Week 1 impact vs. Jets

Christian McCaffrey will likely be available for the 49ers in Week 1 against the Jets, but he might be limited because of injury.

The San Francisco 49ers dealt with plenty of notable injuries over the course of training camp and the preseason, but few generated quite as much attention as All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey, who was dealing with a calf injury just as camp began, was shut down for the preseason and didn't appear in any of the Niners' three exhibition games.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters then the action was precautionary, and the goal was to save the reigning Offensive Player of the Year for when it mattered most.

With San Francisco poised to open up its 2024 regular-season campaign at home on Monday Night Football against the New York Jets, that time has arrived.

Full clarity on McCaffrey's availability, however, has not.

49ers to limit Christian McCaffrey in practice, status vs. Jets to be determined

By any reasonable measure, and barring any setbacks, McCaffrey will play for the 49ers' home opener in prime time.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Shanahan revealed his star running back will appear on the team's official injury report with a calf/hamstring issue, and the coach also mentioned McCaffrey would be limited in practice.

Related story: Christian McCaffrey is due for a statistical decline in 2024 (and that's OK)

It's nothing new, and the designation shouldn't create any serious concerns about McCaffrey's availability.

But, it does suggest Shanahan could limit McCaffrey's touches in Week 1, especially with the tailback having practiced so little in the ramp-up to the regular season. Also, the Jets boast a formidable defense, which makes the intent of keeping McCaffrey healthy that much more important.

As such, it wouldn't be surprising to see Shanahan deploy his other crop of running backs, namely third-year pro Jordan Mason and rookie Isaac Guerendo, in an effort to keep McCaffrey from aggravating the injury he's had for much of the summer.

The Niners and Jets kick off on Monday, Sept. 9 at 8:20 p.m. ET from Levi's Stadium, and McCaffrey's official designation for the game will be revealed on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Read more from Niner Noise