While Sunday night was a time for the San Francisco 49ers and their fans to celebrate the NFC Championship Game win over the Detroit Lions, there was some concern about the health of star running back Christian McCaffrey. Now those concerns seem to be moot.
McCaffrey ran for 90 yards in the come-from-behind win. The last 25 set up what would be the game-clinching touchdown. On the run, he landed on his head. That led to him coming out of the game, with backup Elijah Mitchell scoring on the next play. He didn’t return to the field for the game’s final possession, either, as Mitchell again got the carries that allowed the 49ers to run the clock out.
While McCaffrey didn’t play another snap, he also didn’t go to the locker room or medical tent. When the game was over, he was celebrating with the team on the field and wasn’t showing signs of discomfort. He later acknowledged that he was fine. So, things seemed OK. On Monday, that was confirmed. Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk reported on Monday night that “It appears there are no concerns with McCaffrey’s right shoulder.”
“Coach Kyle Shanahan did not mention McCaffrey’s name on an updated injury report during his Monday conference call with beat reporters,” Williams said.
While all signs pointed to McCaffrey avoiding a significant injury, the lingering concern on Sunday was that injuries often feel worse the day after they’re sustained. But it appears as though McCaffrey avoided that fate.
Still, injuries can sometimes feel worse the following day. But McCaffrey appears to have avoided that fate.
Williams added (per Shanahan) that George Kittle and Ambry Thomas “are the only players who could miss time” when the 49ers begin practicing on Thursday.
