49ers' Christian McCaffrey Reportedly 'Likely' to Play vs. Seahawks amid Calf Injury

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is "likely" to play in Sunday's season opener against the Seattle Seahawks, barring a setback with his calf, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday.

McCaffrey was added to Thursday's injury report as limited with a calf injury.

The running back received the same injury designation ahead of Week 1 last season and ultimately sat out the first eight games of the 2024 campaign.

The 49ers called up wide receiver Russell Gage and linebacker Curtis Robinson from the practice squad ahead of Sunday's game rather than adding a running back, which NFL Network's Mike Garafolo described as an "indication they're hopeful on Christian McCaffrey."

McCaffrey missed 13 total games last season due to his calf injury and Achilles issue as well as a PCL sprain that sidelined him for the final five games of the campaign.

The running back was not listed on the Niners' injury report to start the week. Head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Friday that McCaffrey's calf issue "came up" the day prior.

When asked about his level of concern regarding McCaffrey's condition, Shanahan answered, "It's questionable. Questionable concern."

He used the same word when asked specifically if the issue had to do with the Achilles tendonitis McCaffrey suffered last season: "He's got a questionable deal with his calf."

McCaffrey, meanwhile, gave a more confident answer when speaking to reporters Friday (h/t SF Gate's Grant Marek).

"Nothing serious, I feel great about where I'm at," McCaffrey said Friday. "Unfortunately, you have the injury history that I have, you know, sometimes when you don't practice, things get blown out of proportion. Like I said, I feel great."

That answer may have been less comforting to the 49ers if McCaffrey hadn't given similar answers when talking about his calf just before the 2024 season.

As McCaffrey said in a Sirius XM NFL Radio appearance on Aug. 9 of last year: "I feel great. Just very cautionary stuff. If we had a game, I would play, but just trying to be smart right now. Still training, still getting a bunch of work in, so that come Week 1, we're ready to roll."

McCaffrey continued telling reporters he would be available up until three days before last year's season opener against the Jets.

He said afterward his confidence in confirming his availability was in part because his "mindset every week is I'm going to play," per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

Given last season's shock Week 1 absence, McCaffrey's comments and insider reports might not be enough to convince fans of the running back's availability until he actually takes the field at Lumen Field for Sunday's 4:05 p.m. ET kickoff.

The 49ers acquired running back Brian Robinson from the Washington Commanders in late August. Should McCaffrey ultimately be sidelined, Robinson will likely get more carries against the Seahawks.