49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (tightness) said practice absences planned

Aug 24, 2026

Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Sunday, his first time on the field with his teammates since Aug. 8. The 49ers’ terming his injury as “tightness” raised some eyebrows given he had calf tightness during the 2024 training camp that carried into the season. His absence has some others wondering whether it had anything to do with his contract.

The running back said Sunday the time away was planned as part of his load management.

Fantasy Impact:

“This was kind of part of the plan from the jump,” McCaffrey said, via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com. “Was to ramp up pretty big, get 9, 10 practices in, kind of come back down, and then ramp back up so we’re fresh for the duration.” That would have been nice to know a week or so ago... Eyebrows get raised with it comes to CMC and tightness. The star RB played only four games in 2024 when his tightness turned into Achilles tendinitis. So if we can take the 49ers for their word, CMC looks like he should be good to go, and, ramping back up for the start of the season.

yesterday

Ashton Jeanty leaves practice with apparent knee injury

Ryan McFadden

yesterday · 5:40 PM EDT

Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty left practice Sunday with an apparent knee injury.

Fantasy Impact:

According to McFadden, Jeanty landed awkwardly after diving for a catch. He was helped off the field as he was unable to put pressure on his leg. McFadden added the "entire team took a knee and said a prayer."

Early to speculate what the injury could be, but if it is a serious injury, it's obviously a brutal blow to the Raiders offense. Mike Washington Jr. has looked good this preseason, but losing Jeanty would be a very tough pill to swallow, as there were high hopes for Jeanty in a Klint Kubiak-led offense. We'll update this story as more information becomes available.

Browns to name starting quarterback by Monday

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 4:17 PM EDT

Browns head coach Todd Monken told reporters Sunday he plans to announce the starting quarterback by Monday.

Fantasy Impact:

Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders have been in a “battle” this preseason, though the Browns seem to continue to give Watson every opportunity to win the starting job. The home crowd even booed Watson during their last preseason game. It would make sense for the Browns to see what they have with Sanders for a full season, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if they stick with Watson. The Browns have a good roster and some roster-able players for fantasy, including Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin and rookie wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. They just need steady quarterback play and that may not happen in 2026.

Monken said neither Watson nor Sanders will play in Thursday’s preseason finale. It will be all Dillon Gabriel and rookie Taylen Green.

49ers activate George Kittle from PUP list

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 1:17 PM EDT

The 49ers activated TE George Kittle from the physically unable to perform list Sunday.

Fantasy Impact:

A remarkable recovery from his Achilles injury in January, Kittle is now on track to play Week 1 in Australia against the Rams. Kittle could be a value pick after the consensus top eight tight ends are off the board, especially now that he is cleared with two weeks left before the season starts.