San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has a lot to deal with this offseason, from player holdouts to minor injuries.
But one thing he’s not worried about is whether his star running back, Christian McCaffrey, will be ready for the start of the season, even though McCaffrey has been dealing with a minor calf injury.
- Kyle Shanahan trusts Christian McCaffrey will be good for Week 1, even with his calf injury.
- McCaffrey’s obsession with preparation helps him bounce back from injuries quickly.
- Despite injury concerns, McCaffrey is still a top fantasy football pick due to his talent and work ethic.
Christian McCaffrey’s Obsessive Preparation Eases Shanahan’s Concerns
In a recent press conference, Shanahan discussed how McCaffrey’s intense focus and dedication set him apart from other players. McCaffrey is known for being meticulous about everything he does, whether training, playing, or recovering from an injury.
Shanahan even joked that McCaffrey was probably thinking about his footwork and routes while walking down the aisle at his wedding.
“That’s what’s good when you’re that obsessive about everything. When you’re hurt, you’re hurt, you can’t go. But when you take every rep, every walk-through, everything you do, you’re just so deliberate in everything. When he is probably walking down the aisle to get married, he’s probably thinking about his feet and how to do routes. No offense to [McCaffrey’s wife] Olivia (Culpo), but he’s obsessed with it,” Shanahan said, explaining that this level of focus helps McCaffrey recover and get back into the game faster than most.
Despite missing some time in training camp due to his calf issue, Shanahan is confident that McCaffrey’s thorough preparation will prepare him to go by Week 1.
“He understands what it takes to play in this game, especially at the level he does,” Shanahan added, showing his faith in McCaffrey’s ability to handle the demands of the game.
Should You Be Concerned About McCaffrey’s Injury History?
Christian McCaffrey has had an impressive career since being drafted eighth overall by the Carolina Panthers in 2017.
Over the years, he’s become one of the NFL’s top offensive players, known for his ability to dominate both on the ground and in the air, which has made him a fantasy football favorite.
Of course, McCaffrey has also faced his share of injuries, missing 23 games over the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to various issues.
Recently, his calf strain during training camp has made fantasy football players nervous, especially those who remember how his past injuries impacted their teams.
Nevertheless, Shanahan’s confidence in McCaffrey, coupled with the running back’s proven ability to perform when healthy, still makes him a top pick for fantasy football.
Last season, McCaffrey averaged 22.4 fantasy points per game, cementing his spot as the top running back. So, his consistent performance makes it hard for him to pass up, even with the risk of injury.
What to Expect in Week 1: Will McCaffrey Be Ready?
As the 49ers gear up to play the New York Jets in their season opener on Monday Night Football, everyone wonders if Christian McCaffrey will be ready to play.
While his calf injury has kept him out of practice, Shanahan’s comments suggest McCaffrey will be good to go.
Unless something changes, McCaffrey is expected to be a key player in the 49ers’ offense.
This season could be another big one for McCaffrey if he stays healthy. His intense focus, combined with his natural talent, makes him a crucial player for both the 49ers and fantasy football fans.
While injury concerns are real, the potential rewards of having McCaffrey on your fantasy team might just be worth the risk.
As Week 1 gets closer, the excitement builds to see if McCaffrey can deliver another standout season.
Shanahan’s belief in McCaffrey’s ability to bounce back quickly from injury gives hope to both 49ers fans and fantasy football players.
Oh, and by the way, we were wondering, did you catch the biggest blowouts in NFL history?
