Should I Start Christian McCaffrey?

Saturday, August 22, 2:09 PM

The Athletic's Vic Tafur reports San Francisco running back Christian McCaffrey (undisclosed) did not participate in Saturday's practice. The star running back has been held out of practices and preseason action due to undisclosed "tightness." However, head coach Kyle Shanahan said earlier in the week that if it were the regular season, McCaffrey would be practicing and playing. With his injury history, the team has understandably opted to be cautious. In the two seasons following a 330-plus-touch season, he has played a combined seven games (three games in 2020 and four games in 2024). McCaffrey saw over 400 touches last season that produced 2,126 total scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns. The 30-year-old will be a high-risk, high-reward fantasy option for managers heading into drafts in 2026.