Is Christian McCaffrey playing this week? Latest injury updates for preseason Week 1

The 49ers typically don't play their starters a lot during preseason, so what does that mean for a weapon like Christian McCaffrey?

The San Francisco 49ers kick off their 2024 preseason campaign on the road against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday, Aug. 10.

All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year and arguably the most important cog in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense, won't be partaking in the festivities.

On Tuesday, as the Niners prepare for their exhibition opener, Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey was dealing with a calf strain suffered earlier in training camp. And while the injury isn't considered to be serious, Shanahan said the team would take every precaution with its star running back.

Including keeping him out of the entire preseason.

"You guys probably won't see him this preseason," Shanahan told reporters.

Even if McCaffrey was fully healthy, it'd likely be a smart strategy to limit the All-Pro in an attempt to save him for games that actually matter.

49ers already dealing with injuries at running back

Two of McCaffrey's backups, Elijah Mitchell (hamstring) and rookie Isaac Guerendo (hamstring), are also dealing with injuries. And while Shanahan echoed a similar situation with Mitchell as to McCaffrey, the injury not being serious, it's possible Guerendo winds up on an injury list between now and Week 1 of the regular season.

To help bolster the depth chart, San Francisco signed veteran rusher Matt Breida to a one-year deal.

Breida spent 2017 through 2019 with the 49ers and was their leading rusher in 2018 with 814 yards.

Additionally, the Niners have runners Patrick Taylor Jr., Jordan Mason and undrafted rookie Cody Schrader rostered, and they're also in the mix for a heavy dose of carries this preseason.

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