McCaffrey practice absence raises contract questions at 49ers

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been absent from practice for more than a week, citing unspecified tightness. The absence has occurred against the backdrop of recent high-value contracts signed by peers Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, which have established new market benchmarks for the position.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated on Tuesday that McCaffrey is not refusing to practice to force a contract adjustment. Shanahan, who is participating in training camp on a limited basis following injuries sustained in a car accident in July 2024, maintained that the player’s absence is due to legitimate physical concerns rather than financial leverage.

However, the timing of the absence has drawn scrutiny given McCaffrey’s current financial standing. His existing contract pays $12.5 million for the current year with no remaining guarantees. This figure is considered below market value, particularly following his 2025 performance, which included 413 regular-season touches that helped the team navigate a significant number of injuries.

Analysts characterise the situation as a calculated business decision rather than a traditional holdout. The argument suggests that McCaffrey is avoiding the risk of aggravating his injury until his financial security is addressed. Without guaranteed future earnings, the incentive to play through minor tightness is reduced, as the potential downside of a worsened injury outweighs the immediate benefit of practice participation.

This dynamic contrasts with previous instances where the team’s public statements regarding McCaffrey’s health were questioned. In 2023, Shanahan downplayed an injury before McCaffrey was scratched from a Week 1 game, leading to public criticism. The current narrative, however, aligns with the team’s interest in portraying the injury as significant enough to preclude practice, a stance that differs from the previous year’s approach of minimising the issue.

Reports indicate that McCaffrey attempted to secure a contract adjustment last year without success. The current absence highlights the tension between the player’s desire for financial security and the team’s management of injury status. As the 49ers continue their training camp preparations, the resolution of McCaffrey’s contract remains a key factor in determining his return to full practice participation.