What’s more dangerous, risking a season opener game in Week 1 or losing your best player for December? That’s the question looming over San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan as he decides whether Christian McCaffrey should play in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. With McCaffrey’s calf injury still casting a shadow over the club, Shanahan’s decision may set the tone for his player’s health and also for the franchise’s playoff aspirations. On the positive side, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that “signs are pointing to him playing.” McCaffrey himself has expressed optimism for his health, saying he feels “great” and is good to go. However, not everyone sees it that way.

Former NFL doctor Dr. David J. Chao , the “ProFootballDoc” of Sports Injury Central, put the expect

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