The NFL best running back, and for most fantasy drafters, the number one overall pick of the league, Christian McCaffery has suffered a calf strain and will be out all preseason. As has been discussed on Gridiron Heroics already per Jordan Sigler:
According to Matt Maiocco with NBC Sports, Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss the remainder of the preseason due to a lower-body injury:
McCaffrey has a calf strain. It is not a long-term situation, coach Kyle Shanahan said. McCaffrey will likely not play in the preseason. He’ll be out of practice a couple of weeks.
Now, many fantasy fans are taking to social media to discuss whether or not McCaffery should be the number one overall pick in fantasy drafts or should he fall because of this scare.
Christian McCaffery Out For Entire Preseason
The 49ers have been dealing with a major trade situation involving Brandon Ayiuk and finding him a suitable new home. However, amidst that whirlwind of a story, their star running back will not be playing at any point of the preseason due to the injury he suffered on Tuesdays’ practice.
Now, it is highly doubtful that the star would be playing in the preseason anyway, as we have seen less and less of that from star veteran players. However, the main point of concern from fans has been about whether or not McCaffery should still be the number one overall pick going into the year.
While there may be many leagues who’s first pick will be a wide receiver, majority of leagues reportedly had McCaffery as the top pick of snake drafts. Now, 49ers fans, and anyone who has the first overall pick in their drafts are getting a bit nervous about this news.
The only issue Christian has ever had was his health, when he is on the field he has always been a monster on the field and in fantasy.
NFL Fantasy Fans Are Getting Scared About Christian McCaffery Injury
While the injury does not seem severe in the slightest, fantasy fans are a bit worried about the star back entering the 2024 season:
“Well this is scary,” fantasy football analyst Michael F. Florio wrote.
“That Madden curse struck pretty early,” a fan observed of the video game’s newest cover athlete.
“Anyone else scared to use a 1st overall pick on CMC this season?” a fantasy football player asked.
“At this point, I am not among those panicking,” ESPN injury expert and 49ers fan Stephania Bell advised. “Was CMC really likely to see much preseason action anyway?”
Helath has always been the major concern for the star back, and he has trouble staying healthy with the team. He totaled a legendary season of 2,392 yards on 403 touches in 2019, but then only played three games in 2020 and then seven games in 2021. Last season he has a monstrous year and was basically fully healthy all year.
In those two years, McCaffrey suffered an ankle, shoulder, hamstring, and thigh injury that kept him off the field for those periods.
However, the star alleviated some of those worries by playing every game but one in the last two seasons. He went over 300 carries in each of those years.
I think fantasy fans should not be concerned by this to draft the star running back number one as his past two seasons he has proven himself. The Injury to McCaffery probably has a lot to do with the team bringing back Matt Breida.
Related: REPORT: San Francisco 49ers Star Offensive Player Suffers Injury, Expected To Miss Preseason
