Why Calf Strain Comes at Fortunate Time for 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will miss Week 18 with what the team labeled a “mild calf strain.”

While calf strains are concerning for skill position players, the injury comes at a fortunate time for the MVP candidate.

The next time the 49ers will play a meaningful game will be Jan. 20 or 21, giving McCaffrey roughly 3 weeks to rest his injured calf.

The Stanford product exited the Week 17 game in the 2nd quarter and was spotted receiving treatment on the sidelines. It’s a positive sign he was able to return for 2 plays before leaving for the rest of the game.

Elijah Mitchell will serve as the main running back in Week 18 and could receive more snaps in the Divisional Round if the 49ers choose to manage McCaffrey’s snaps and limit the risk of reaggravation.

Mitchell had 80 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in Week 17 against the Commanders.

McCaffrey finishes the season with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns on 242 carries. He also had 67 catches for 564 yards and 7 touchdowns.