Christian McCaffrey is a key part of the 49ers ’ offense, so when news of his calf injury surfaced, it quickly became a major concern. He was listed as questionable, had limited practice, and then got downgraded, making the season opener in Seattle feel uncertain before it even began. But then came the image that flipped the script.

On Friday, McCaffrey was seen running on a side field, smooth strides, no limp. He told SF Standard’s David Lombardi he “feels great physically” and called the injury “minor.” If you know CMC, you know how it goes, pain shows up, but he doesn’t flinch. Players like him don’t sit.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport doubled down, saying McCaffrey is “ expected to suit up barring setback .” Which means unless something goes wrong in warmups, he’s in. Stil

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