San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan on Tuesday shut down any notion that running back Christian McCaffrey was sitting out practice to get a new contract. In the process he gave a strong hint that McCaffrey’s return is imminent.
The McCaffrey hold-in speculation began Monday morning when Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio suggested that could be the reason for the star running back’s absence. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday evening that McCaffrey was legitimately dealing with what the 49ers classified as “tightness” and wasn’t sitting for contractual reasons.
Shanahan on Tuesday confirmed that report.
“I think they make a lot of assumptions and that would be one that they’re wrong on,” Shanahan said in a press conference after practice per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.
Shanahan also indicated that McCaffrey could return to practice Saturday when the 49ers are back on the field again following Thursday night’s preseason bout vs. the Chargers.
Via the Athletic’s Matt Barrows, Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey would’ve participated in Tuesday’s session if it wasn’t a joint practice.
That’s a great sign for the 49ers and their star running back as they get inside of a month until their season opener. Thursday’s preseason game at SoFi Stadium will mark three weeks until the 49ers are in uniform for Week 1 of the regular season vs. the Los Angeles Rams. If McCaffrey is able to suit up and practice to finish the preseason it’ll give him a good ramp up period before the first week of real practices begins in early September.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: Kyle Shanahan indicates one injured 49ers superstar is nearing return
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
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By Kyle Madson, Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
