San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey's "mystery tightness" has been confirmed as a real injury, according to NFL Insider Ian Rappoport. Rappoport stated on "The Insiders" that the injury is not serious and should not be a cause for concern.
The report comes amid speculation that McCaffrey might be engaging in a "hold-in" tactic, potentially related to his contract status. This speculation arose shortly after running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson received new contracts. However, Rappoport attributed McCaffrey's absence from practice to a genuine, albeit minor, injury.
This news coincides with the 49ers' decision to release veteran running back Khalil Herbert. Herbert, who was the team's leading rusher in their preseason Week 1 loss to the Tennessee Titans, carried the ball six times for 18 yards and caught two passes for 35 yards in that game. His release may suggest the team's confidence in McCaffrey's ability to return to full health.
McCaffrey is scheduled to earn $12.5 million in non-guaranteed money this season. In 2024, he signed a two-year, $38 million extension that will keep him with the 49ers through the 2027 season.
Last season, McCaffrey was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year, amassing 1,202 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, and helping lead the 49ers to the divisional round of the NFC Playoffs. Despite this success, McCaffrey has a history of injuries over the past six seasons, including an Achilles injury in 2024 that limited him to four games and 50 carries.