49ers superstar unlikely to participate in preseason after calf injury
The San Francisco 49ers are hoping to avoid a nightmare.
Running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a calf strain during training camp according to head coach Kyle Shanahan. The injury will keep McCaffrey out for a couple weeks, and sideline him for all three preseason games.
This is the right choice by the 49ers to keep McCaffrey on the sidelines for the preseason. A calf strain for the running back could be a lingering issue that winds up impacting his regular season.
McCaffrey doesn't need camp to be one of the best players in the NFL. He'll be able to suit up for the first week of practice and be ready to go in the season opener, which is the most important thing for San Francisco.
While quarterback Brock Purdy plays a huge role, as do wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle, it's hard to argue any skill position player is more important to the 49ers' success than the reigning Offensive Player of the Year.
Even without the calf injury it was unlikely McCaffrey would play much in the preseason. He's going to get plenty of touches in the regular season and ensuring he's ready to go for the season opener is perhaps the most essential aspect of 49ers training camp.
Getting him time off from practice to get healthy is key, and the 49ers will make sure they're not rushing him back into action and jeopardizing the games that count.
The 49ers will open their preseason Saturday at 4:00pm Pacific Time against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers superstar unlikely to participate in preseason after calf injury
