With the NFC’s top seed in hand, the 49ers aren’t taking any chances in Week 18.
Running back Christian McCaffrey will sit out San Francisco’s regular-season finale Sunday against the Rams due to a mild calf strain, coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. Shanahan added he’s “real confident” McCaffrey will be good to go for the team’s postseason opener in the NFC Divisional Round.
McCaffrey sustained the injury during San Francisco’s Week 17 win over Washington and was held out of the rest of the game out of caution.
Apart from asserting his claim for the most valuable player award, there was scant justification for McCaffrey’s participation, even if he was in peak health. As the driving force behind the 49ers’ offense, and with the first-round bye already in the bag, he is set to enjoy almost three weeks of off-time before he is required to step onto the field for the 49ers’ Divisional Round match.
McCaffrey has had an outstanding season, achieving a career-best 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, as well as 564 receiving yards and seven receiving touchdowns. He’s anticipated to receive a considerable number of votes for the league’s most prestigious individual award.
