NFL – Association Finals: « Zero » chance that Christian McCaffrey will be absent against the Eagles

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For the second day in a row, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey sat out practice Thursday with a calf injury.

Despite not taking part in the practice session with his teammates, McCaffrey spoke to the media on Thursday and offered a simple answer when asked if there was a chance that he is not playing in Sunday’s NFC Championship game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

« Zero, » McCaffrey said.

The star running back suffered the injury in the team’s 19-12 second-round playoff win over the Dallas Cowboys last week. After the game, McCaffrey said he felt fine. For his part, coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday he expected McCaffrey and other injured Niners to play, but he wouldn’t make any guarantees.

Asked if his concerns about McCaffrey’s availability had changed with McCaffrey not training Thursday, Shanahan said he had « the same concerns I had yesterday. »

McCaffrey said he would essentially follow the same routine as during a normal training week.

« It’s the same process, just reducing the physical load a bit, » McCaffrey said.

Elsewhere on the injury report, running back Elijah Mitchell (groin) also did not practice Thursday. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo also remains out.

Receiver Deebo Samuel (ankle), cornerback Ambry Thomas (ankle) and defensive lineman Charles Omenihu (oblique) were limited.
Shanahan said on Wednesday he expected those named on the injury report – barring Garoppolo – to be available against the Eagles, although he said he had made no guarantees on any. of them.