Kyle Shanahan: Christian McCaffrey's absence is not contract-related

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed speculation surrounding running back Christian McCaffrey's absence from joint practices with the Chargers on Tuesday. Shanahan explicitly stated that there is no contract-related issue between McCaffrey and the team, dismissing assumptions to the contrary. The 49ers believe McCaffrey's decision to skip practice has nothing to do with his pay, expressing confidence that the veteran running back would take to the field if they were in a game.

McCaffrey, who recently turned 30, has been sidelined due to tightness, though the specific location of his discomfort remains undisclosed. Given McCaffrey's injury history and remarkable output during the 2019 regular season - where he recorded 413 touches, a league-leading total - his cautious approach makes sense. In fact, McCaffrey set a league-leading mark with 413 touches in 2019, subsequently amassing 37 more in the 49ers' postseason games.

Notably, his 2019 regular season touched over 1,000 each for rushing and receiving. However, McCaffrey's participation dwindled in the subsequent two seasons, playing just 10 games combined. In 2023, McCaffrey accumulated 417 touches in both the regular season and postseason, but played just four games in 2024. Until McCaffrey's injury status is clarified, the 49ers will likely tread carefully in utilizing the established star.