Christian McCaffrey Injury Update, Latest on 49ers' Star's Practice Status Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

After sitting out a string of practices due to an undisclosed injury, San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey appears to have recovered.

McCaffrey was seen in uniform for Sunday's training camp practice, and he later participated in individual drills:

McCaffrey's return wasn't the only positive injury news in San Francisco. Star tight end George Kittle was activated from the physically unable to perform list on Sunday, marking the most significant step in his return from a torn right Achilles. The 32-year-old has been targeting a Week 1 return, though he acknowledged that he could miss some time to start the year.

"I want to play in every football game that I possibly can play in, but I'm also aware it's an 18-week season," Kittle said earlier this month. "If you miss Week 1 and you're playing Week 2, hey, it is what it is. … I'm just going to keep that as my goal, and then we'll adjust from there if we need to."

As for McCaffrey, he was sidelined for nearly three weeks with what was described as "tightness" with no other explanation. He and Kittle sat out team drills on Sunday as they were eased back into the swing of things. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week that McCaffrey would be active if it were the regular season.

"I think if it wasn't Christian and we were in a game week, I think he would play today," Shanahan said.

The 49ers are hoping to return to title contention this season, so having their veterans healthy will be the key to competing against the elite teams in the NFC.