Christian McCaffrey's calf issue landed him on the 49ers' injury report after a camp and preseason that went smoothly. San Francisco plans a cautious, workload-managed approach to protect their star, a reset that mirrors last season's calf/achilles saga and Week 1 absence. Fantasy managers should monitor Friday's update for a clearer Week 1 picture and be prepared for a pragmatic mix of McCaffrey and SF playmakers.

George Kittle's proximity to McCaffrey and SF's pacing plan could shift targets if the backfield workload is capped early. The context hints SF's high-octane offense may lean on pass-catchers like Kittle and others if McCaffrey's snaps are limited, keeping the offense dangerous while safeguarding durability against a long season.

Mazi Smith was inactive in Dallas’ opener as the Cowboys opened the season amid a blockbuster trade that sent Micah Parsons to Green Bay for Kenny Clark and two first-round picks, instantly reshaping the interior line. Clark anchors the middle, while Smith continues to be developed under coach Brian Schottenheimer, who demanded more consistency from the 2023 first-rounder.

Smith’s two-year output and low PFF grades underscore the growth still required. Inactive Friday: Jaydon Blue, Shemar James, Ajani Cornelius, Hakeem Adeniji, Trevor Keegan, with Perrion Winfrey sidelined by a back issue. The rotation figures to be volatile as Dallas adjusts to the new interior dynamic.

For fantasy, Smith’s value hinges on opportunity; Clark’s presence could compress immediate upside but unlock longer-term growth if Smith earns more snaps. Monitor snap counts and how the DL rotation settles in coming weeks as Dallas retools its defense around the Clark-Parsons reshuffle.

Christian McCaffrey opened 2025 limited by a calf issue after Thursday’s San Francisco practice, a setback that echoes last season’s injury saga. He didn’t have an issue Wednesday, but the calf constraint raises red flags for Week 1 in Philadelphia and for the Niners’ offensive plan if the workload must be scaled back early. San Francisco did not play him in the preseason, and questions linger about wide receiver depth as they pursue another deep playoff run. Fantasy managers should monitor his status closely, expecting some early-season workload management and a potentially leaner game plan if the calf flares.

San Francisco faces a high-stakes start with a phalanx of young, unproven pieces on defense and a WR corps in flux, all while McCaffrey remains the centerpiece for San Francisco’s title hopes. Week 1 in Philadelphia will test how the team adapts when the backfield carries more responsibility. The Jets were noted as Week 1 opponents in 2024, but this preview centers on a fresh start against the Eagles and the need for a flexible attack if McCaffrey’s health becomes a day-to-day storyline.

Christian McCaffrey’s calf issue clouds San Francisco’s Week 1 plan against Seattle. Limited practice hints at a potential workload dip, pushing fantasy managers to consider contingency options and depth plays early in the season.

If McCaffrey is limited, Jordan Mason and the 49ers’ crew could absorb extra touches, while SF’s passing game and screen work may pick up the slack. Seattle faces a test if McCaffrey is more limited than expected, elevating the value of SF’s pass-catching options and backup runners in early-season lineups.