San Francisco 49ers' star running back, Christian McCaffrey, is set to miss the team's three preseason games after sustaining a strained calf, according to Coach Kyle Shanahan. The injury occurred a couple of days ago during practice, causing McCaffrey to sit out the team portion of drills on Sunday. Although it is not a severe injury, Shanahan stated that McCaffrey is expected to be sidelined for a couple of weeks during practice.

As one of the team's most valuable players and the NFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey's absence from the preseason games is a precautionary measure to ensure his full recovery for the season opener against the New York Jets on September 9. The two-week timeline gives him ample time to return to practice and prepare for the upcoming season.

Last season, McCaffrey carried a heavy workload with a career-high of 417 touches, including playoffs. Therefore, the 49ers coaching staff has been strategically managing his practice sessions during training camp to provide him with regular rest and minimize the risk of any further injuries.

On Tuesday, McCaffrey did not participate in practice as he focused on his rehabilitation. On the other hand, his teammate, defensive end Nick Bosa, observed the practice from the sideline but did not actively participate either. It was initially scheduled as a veteran's day off for McCaffrey, but his calf injury resulted in him being involved in rehab activities instead.

In a previous interview during camp, McCaffrey emphasized the significance of training camp for his preparation to handle a substantial workload throughout the season. He stated, "For me, it's put my body, mind and soul in the best position to play every snap. And then coaches got to be coaches, whatever they think is best, but I know for me, I prepare to play every snap so I'm ready to go."

Aside from McCaffrey, the 49ers are also dealing with injured running backs. Elijah Mitchell has missed the past two practices due to a strained hamstring and is expected to be out for approximately a week. Rookie Isaac Guerendo, who suffered a hamstring injury early in camp, has been largely absent from team practices.

With McCaffrey, Mitchell, and Guerendo sidelined, the 49ers have signed running back Matt Breida to bolster their backfield depth. Breida, who spent his first three seasons with the team after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2017, participated in Tuesday's practice alongside the other healthy running backs on the roster: Jordan Mason, Cody Schrader, and Patrick Taylor Jr.

In a corresponding roster move, the 49ers placed receiver Malik Turner on injured reserve to make room for Breida's signing. The team will rely on the remaining running backs in their upcoming preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday.

While it is indeed unfortunate that McCaffrey will miss the preseason action, the priority for the 49ers is his full recovery and availability for the regular season. Fans will eagerly await his return and expect his usual stellar performance once he takes the field again.