San Francisco 49ers RB McCaffrey Day-to-Day

The San Francisco 49ers have clinched the NFC West, and unless they intend to chase a slim chance at the conference's top seed, they'll exercise their right to rest their starters in Week 18. That may include running back Christian McCaffrey. Head coach Kyle Shanahan declared the star back day-to-day with an ankle sprain, casting doubt over McCaffrey's availability for Sunday's matchup with the Arizona Cardinals.

Christian McCaffrey is day-to-day with what sounds like a mild ankle sprain
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) January 2, 2023

McCaffrey played 85% of the offensive snaps in the 49ers' 37-34 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, his most since he joined the team in October. His 193 yards from scrimmage were also a personal high for the season. If he was hurt in any meaningful way, it certainly didn't show up in the box score.

At 12-4, the 49ers still have an outside shot at the NFC's top seed, but that would require the Philadelphia Eagles losing to the New York Giants, who are locked into the 6th seed and thus have nothing to play for. Odds are the 49ers have more to gain from resting their starters than chasing a win.

McCaffrey joined the 49ers via a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers earlier this season. He has re-established himself as one of the league's deadliest all-around backs, totalling 1131 yards from scrimmage in 10 games with the team.