## Niners HC Kyle Shanahan: ‘Unfair’ to Expect Prime Christian McCaffrey After Missing Eight Weeks
**Santa Clara, Calif.** – San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan has cautioned fans not to expect Pro Bowl running back Christian McCaffrey to immediately return to his peak form after missing eight weeks due to a calf injury.
**Slow and Steady Approach**
Shanahan emphasized the need for a gradual approach to McCaffrey’s return, acknowledging that the star player’s conditioning and football instincts will take time to regain.
“It’s not fair to expect him to be a 100% Christian McCaffrey right away,” Shanahan told reporters. “He’s missed a lot of time, and it’s going to take some time for him to get back up to speed.”
**Limited Practice Participation**
McCaffrey has been limited in practice this week and is unlikely to start in Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. Shanahan indicated that the team will ease him into action, initially giving him a reduced workload.
“We’re not going to just throw him out there and expect him to be the same player he was before he got hurt,” Shanahan said. “We’re going to take it slow and make sure he’s ready to go.”
**Background and Injury History**
McCaffrey, acquired by the 49ers in a midseason trade with the Carolina Panthers, has a history of injuries. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 2 of this season and has been sidelined since Week 9 with the calf injury.
**Impact on Niners Offense**
McCaffrey’s return is a significant boost to the 49ers’ offense, which has struggled to find consistency in the running game. His versatility as a runner, receiver, and returner makes him a valuable asset to the team.
However, Shanahan’s cautionary tone suggests that the 49ers will need to manage McCaffrey’s workload carefully to avoid further setbacks.
**Comparison to Deebo Samuel**
Shanahan drew parallels to wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who missed six games earlier this season with a hamstring injury. Samuel returned in Week 15 and has gradually increased his workload since then.
“With Deebo, it took a few weeks for him to get back to where he was before he got hurt,” Shanahan said. “We’re going to take the same approach with Christian.”
**Optimistic Outlook**
Despite the cautious approach, Shanahan remains optimistic about McCaffrey’s long-term impact on the team.
“He’s a special player, and we’re excited to have him back,” Shanahan said. “We just need to be patient and let him get back to 100%.”
**Conclusion**
The 49ers will welcome McCaffrey’s return but will temper their expectations initially. Shanahan’s emphasis on a slow and steady approach suggests that the team is prioritizing McCaffrey’s long-term health and performance over immediate results.