— The San Francisco 49ers listed running back Christian McCaffrey as questionable with a calf issue ahead of Sunday’s regular-season opener in Seattle; wide receivers Jordan Watkins (ankle) and running back Jordan James (finger) are doubtful, while Yetur Gross-Matos is cleared and Jauan Jennings is expected to play.
Key Takeaways
- Christian McCaffrey is listed as questionable for Week 1 with a calf issue after limited practice participation.
- Jordan Watkins (ankle) and Jordan James (finger) are both listed as doubtful for Sunday.
- Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) progressed through the week and is considered ready to play.
- Jauan Jennings, managed earlier calf concerns, practiced in a limited role and is expected to be available.
- The 49ers added RB Brian Robinson Jr. to increase depth behind McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo.
- Final gameday availability will be confirmed 90 minutes before kickoff in Seattle.
Verified Facts
The 49ers issued their Friday Week 1 Game Status Report ahead of the matchup at Lumen Field in Seattle. McCaffrey was limited on Thursday and did not practice Friday after the calf issue surfaced late in the week.
| Player | Injury / Status |
|---|---|
| Christian McCaffrey | Calf — Questionable |
| Jordan Watkins | Ankle — Doubtful |
| Jordan James | Finger — Doubtful |
| Yetur Gross-Matos | Knee — Cleared |
| Jauan Jennings | Calf — Limited, expected available |
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed the calf problem for McCaffrey emerged late in the practice week. Shanahan also noted that Brian Robinson Jr. has been signed to provide depth in the running back group and will be included in the Week 1 game plan alongside Isaac Guerendo.
Gross-Matos, who had been monitored for a knee concern, completed the week without setbacks and is listed as ready. Jennings, after earlier calf management in training camp, was limited in practice this week but Shanahan said his work over the weekend improved his conditioning.
Context & Impact
McCaffrey’s availability would affect the 49ers’ offensive play-calling and running-back rotation; even a limited McCaffrey could alter snap distribution and increase touches for Robinson Jr. and Guerendo. Watkins and James being doubtful could reduce depth at receiver and in the return/slot packages, depending on game-day activations.
Special teams and third-down packages are likely to be adjusted if any of the listed players are inactive. The team will make final active/inactive decisions 90 minutes before kickoff in Seattle, per league procedure.
“Jauan’s had a real good week,”
Kyle Shanahan
Unconfirmed
- Exact snap counts for McCaffrey if he is active are not confirmed.
- Final decisions for Watkins and James will depend on pregame evaluations and are not finalized.
- The extent to which Brian Robinson Jr. will feature in the Week 1 plan is not yet determined.
Bottom Line
The 49ers enter Week 1 with several question marks but limited depth moves aim to mitigate immediate risk. McCaffrey’s gameday status is the key variable; his availability will shape how San Francisco deploys its rushing attack and pass-game personnel against the Seahawks.