49ers count on bigger impact in Game 2 with McCaffrey

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Coming into his San Francisco 49ers debut, Christian McCaffrey just wanted to make sure he knew his limited plays well enough to line up in the right spot and execute them correctly.

McCaffrey will be a much bigger part of the game plan this week now that he has a full week to learn offense and prepare for a key game against NFC rival Los Angeles Rams.

« When you have someone like Christian, it’s always so much more fun, » coach Kyle Shanahan said of coming up with a first-time game plan with his new star.

McCaffrey practiced with the 49ers for the first time on Wednesday. He was acquired late last week in a trade from Carolina and only entered the practice field to meet his new teammates at the end of Friday’s session.

His presence took on added importance with versatile receiver Deebo Samuel who missed practice Wednesday with a hamstring injury. Shanahan said Samuel has made progress but his status for Sunday’s game remains unclear.

But if Samuel can’t go, McCaffrey will be a lot more involved than he was last week when he took a 48-hour crash course in offense and knew about 20 plays he could play against Kansas City.

McCaffrey played 22 snaps in that game, running eight times for 38 yards and catching two passes for 24 yards.

“He stayed here for a day and a half before putting on our uniform. It says a lot about who he is as a pro, it says a lot about who he is as a competitor,” tackle Mike McGlinchey said. “Obviously, he’s a huge talent. He has been very successful throughout his career and hopefully we can help him reach even greater heights.

When McCaffrey was on the trading block last week, it looked likely he would play in that 49ers-Rams game, but it was unclear what uniform he would be wearing.

The two NFC West rivals were the highest bidders for McCaffrey, with the Niners winning the toss by sending draft picks from Carolina in the second, third and fourth rounds in 2023 and a fifth round in 2024.

Now they’re hoping that move pays off to spark an offense that’s 20th in the league in scoring and has scored 24+ points just twice in seven games.

« He plays our style, our offensive style – receiving yards – and he really hits when he directs the ball, » defensive end Nick Bosa said. « Kyle showed a few games of himself at the team meeting today and he looks like he’s a part of our team. »

NOTES: CB Jason Verrett (knee) was activated from the physically unable to perform roster and was restricted to training. Shanahan said he could make his 2022 debut this week. … DL Arik Armstead (foot, ankle), DL Samson Ebukam (Achilles), LB Dre Greenlaw (calf), WR Jauan Jennings (hamstring), FB Kyle Juszczyk (finger) and T Trent Williams (rest) joined Samuel on the list of players not practicing. … RB Tevin Coleman was returned to the practice squad a day after being dropped from the active roster.

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Josh Dubow, Associated Press