NFL: Christian McCaffrey to miss preseason games with calf injury

With his veteran status and one of the best players on the team, the United States running back was unlikely San Francisco 49 years old Christian McCaffrey playing much, if any, in preseason games.

But if there was such an opportunity, it no longer exists. McCaffrey did not participate in Tuesday’s practice after missing the team’s portion of Sunday’s drills with a calf strain.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey would likely miss a few weeks of practice and was almost certain to miss the team’s three preseason games.

“He got hurt a few days ago,” Shanahan said. But nothing bad, nothing was ripped. »

This time off will allow McCaffrey plenty of time to return to practice before the season opener on September 9 against the team New York Jets. After a season in which McCaffrey had a career-high 417 touchdowns (including the playoffs), the Niners gave him regular rest this training camp.

During the first few days of camp, McCaffrey emphasized that training camp is important to him because it is a time to prepare for the heavy workload he takes on during the season.

“For me, it puts my body, mind and soul in the best position to play every touch,” McCaffrey said.