ESPN’s Fantasy Football Week 7 injury tracker includes an aggregate of injury updates for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends whose teams are slated to play this week. We will keep track of practice reports, injury updates, and any other news that may have an impact on a player’s short- or long-term availability.
Christian McCaffrey had an oblique/rib injury in Sunday’s game and left briefly in the third quarter, returning for a 6-yard rush late in the fourth before exiting again and not returning. McCaffrey was observed stretching on the sideline before entering the locker room (before his second exit). It was unclear when he was injured, and the 49ers weren’t sure if it was an oblique muscle damage, a rib injury, or both.
Obliques are diagonally oriented muscles that join to the ribs and pelvis. They are responsible for trunk rotation and flexing, as well as core power and stability. Because of their rib attachments, it can be difficult to tell whether the damage is muscular (oblique strain) or a bone or cartilage injury to the ribs.
After McCaffrey underwent an MRI on Monday, the 49ers expressed optimism that he would be able to return for next Monday’s game, referring to his status as “day to day.” Expect the Niners — and McCaffrey — to give him until game time to make a decision on his availability.
Deebo Samuel left last Sunday’s game late in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, but the injury occurred on the first play from scrimmage. According to Shanahan, Samuel tried to continue in the game, but it immediately became clear that “he couldn’t use his left arm,” so they had to remove him. The injury was a minor blow to the shoulder, but as Shanahan explained, “it just connected right.”
Deebo Samuel left last Sunday’s game late in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, but the injury occurred on the first play from scrimmage. According to Shanahan, Samuel tried to continue in the game, but it immediately became clear that “he couldn’t use his left arm,” so they had to remove him. The injury was a minor blow to the shoulder, but as Shanahan explained, “it just connected right.”
On Saturday, Shanahan told reporters that a CT scan performed later in the week found a “hairline fracture” (previous X-rays and an MRI were inconclusive). He indicated Samuel will be out for Weeks 7 and 8, and the team would assess the situation following the bye. Usually it takes 4-6 weeks.
