SANTA CLARA — One half of the 49ers dynamic tailback tandem returned to the practice field on Friday.
For the first time this week, Christian McCaffrey was spotted practicing with his teammates as he deals with a calf contusion that bothered him during last week’s win over the Dallas Cowboys.
McCaffrey seemed to be moving well and didn’t show any ill-effects of the injury, as he ran routes during the media-viewing portion of practice. On Thursday, he told reporters there was “zero” chance he’d miss Sunday’s NFC Championship against the Eagles.
"He looked full go," coach Kyle Shanahan said of McCaffrey.
In the team’s final practice before heading to Philadelphia, fellow running Elijah Mitchell was a limited participant before reporters were able to view Friday's session. He will officially be listed as questionable as he deals with a groin injury.
Mitchell’s absence would be notable for the Niners, as he’s been a physical and fast runner in his limited action this season. The second-year back has been slowed by a pair of MCL injuries that held him to just seven games so far this season, but is averaging 4.9 yards per rush.
When healthy, Mitchell can be the thunder to McCaffrey's lightning.
"He was always a violent runner," Shanahan said. "That's why we started out calling him 'Drain-O' because he always goes to the right hole. We also call him 'The Trash Man' too because when he's out there it sounds like garbage cans banging around. He likes to run into people violently when there's nowhere to go. That's what makes him a special back."
Mitchell injured his right knee in the season opener and sat out until Week 9, making a three-game return before hurting is MCL again. Mitchell rejoined the 49ers in the regular-season finale and has appeared in the past three games, leading the team with 14 carries and 51 yards on Sunday vs. the Cowboys. The 24-year-old is fighting the narrative that he's injury prone, as he was limited to 11 regular-season games last year while dealing with shoulder, hand, rib, concussion and knee issues.
"When he gets back and he's healthy, he knows how to run the ball," Shanahan said.
McCaffrey has been a touchdown machine and unlocked the entire 49ers offense since joining the team in a Week 7 trae. He’s scored 13 touchdowns in 13 games, accounting for 900 yards rushing and 505 yards receiving in that span.
McCaffrey isn't shy about contact, but he's a bit more slippery than Mitchell. Shanahan loves having both running styles in his offense.
"I think Christian is great at hitting the right hole, too," Shanahan said. "When there isn't a hole there, he never turns things down and he'll put his pads into people, too. But I do think they're a really good mix of each other's styles."
Behind McCaffrey, the 49ers have rookie running backs Jordan Mason and Ty Davis-Price, along with practice squad veteran Tevin Coleman. The 49ers are hoping to neutralize Philly's menacing pass rush with its ground game.
