The Panthers traded star running back Christian McCaffrey to the 49ers for several future draft picks in one of the more notable in-season NFL trades in recent memory. The biggest concern for fantasy owners right now is McCaffrey’s availability for Week 7.
Is Christian McCaffrey playing Sunday? Fantasy injury update for 49ers-Chiefs
He was traded late Thursday night, so will he be able to suit up and play a significant role this Sunday?
Will Christian McCaffrey playing Week 7?
UPDATE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday night that McCaffrey is expected to play in a “package of plays” against Kansas City.
According to Jordan Schultz, despite arriving at the team’s facility for the first time on Friday afternoon (just in time for practice), McCaffrey has a real chance to play this Sunday against the Chiefs.
Sadly, it’s a late-afternoon game, so fantasy owners who leave him in their lineups will be taking a risk.
While a typical workload is unlikely, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play 25-30 percent of the team’s offensive snaps (and get touches on many of them). We could see even more McCaffrey in the red zone, making him a viable fantasy option.
McCaffrey has essentially asked to play, and while it appears to be an uphill battle, the six-year veteran is capable of making an impact in his first game with his new team, according to 49ers GM John Lynch.
McCaffrey appears to be worth waiting but maintain him in your flex spot so you can switch to a WR or TE if necessary.
With the Bills, Vikings, Eagles, and Rams all on bye, running backs are in high demand. Despite a lower workload, McCaffrey’s versatility in both the rushing and passing games raises his floor in PPR formats.
Obviously, he’s a shoo-in RB1 in the coming weeks, but even if the odds are stacked against him this week, he could put up respectable fantasy numbers.
If McCaffrey does not play, Jeff Wilson Jr. will take his usual 15-plus touches. He’d be a solid RB2, and even if McCaffrey is active, JWJ has flex value in the favorable matchup.
Injury update for 49ers-Chiefs
- San Francisco 49ers injury report:
| Player | Ps | Injury | Thu | Fri | Status |
| Charvarius Ward | CB | Groin | DNP | LP | QUEST |
| Talanoa Hufanga | S | Concussion | DNP | LP | QUEST |
| Arik Armstead | DT | Foot, Ankle | DNP | DNP | OUT |
| Christian McCaffrey | RB | Travel | – | LP | – |
| Jimmie Ward | CB | Hand | LP | LP | – |
| Mike McGlinchey | OT | Calf | LP | FP | – |
| Trent Williams | OT | Ankle | LP | FP | – |
| Tyler Kroft | TE | Knee | FP | FP | – |
| Charlie Woerner | TE | Shoulder | FP | FP | – |
| Samson Ebukam | DE | Achilles | LP | FP | – |
| Nick Bosa | DE | Groin | LP | FP | – |
| Drake Jackson | DE | Knee | LP | FP | – |
| Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles | LB | Knee | FP | FP | – |
- Kansas City Chiefs injury report:
