49ers Clinch No. 1 Seed, McCaffrey’s Health in Focus

49ers Clinch No. 1 Seed, McCaffrey’s Health in Focus

The San Francisco 49ers have established a top seed for their upcoming playoff series, but are now monitoring the health of RB Christian McCaffrey. The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off the best season of his career but suffered a calf strain in the Niners’ 27-10 win over the Washington Commander.

Fortunately, it doesn’t seem too serious. Speaking to reporters after the win, McCaffrey explained that he was playing it safe when he left the game in the second half. “I think it was a no-brainer and I just made a smart move, especially not knowing what’s going to happen next week,” McCaffrey said, according to Niners Nation .

 

“I just didn’t want to go in there and make it worse. There are certain things you can’t be stupid about.” McCaffrey’s health is critical to the 49ers’ success this postseason, so resting him and not injuring him on the field was the right move. It’s already been a banner year for McCaffrey, and there are no arbitrary milestones to chase.

However, the seven-year NFL veteran surpassed 2,000 yards from scrimmage on Sunday. He does so for the first time in his career and has a league-high 21 touchdowns to boot. The 49ers are key players in the Final After the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Arizona Cardinals, the 49ers were able to grab first place.

That’s a testament to how strong the team has been this year, but it also means the 49ers can rest key players. San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke to reporters after the game about his strategy for resting starters in this situation. “We’re trying to rest some guys. But you can’t rest everybody. It’s too hard. We have to complete the team without a doubt.

 

We have a big training week ahead of us. We have many things that we need to improve. And the only way to do that is to play football and practice football. We have a big Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. And figure out your roster during the week and we’ll decide what we’re going to do on Sunday,” Shanahan said on the 31st. When it comes to potential absences, it’s hard not to think about McCaffrey.

Considering he just tweaked his calf, the 49ers probably won’t take a chance on the RB. In San Francisco’s regular season finale against the Rams Not only does locking up the No. 1 seed allow players to rest, it also cancels out an exciting game against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Rams and 49ers have played several classics in recent seasons, but this year will be different. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles are confirmed for the finals. But the Rams could drop to seventh with a loss. A win would likely put them on the road to face the Detroit Lions.

 

But a loss would put them against the Dallas Cowboys. All in all, the Rams definitely have a reason to win the game. They are motivated, have won 6 of their last 7 and obviously want to beat the Niners. Having San Francisco not have to worry about results is much nicer than a rivalry game with a lot at stake to end the season.