Around the NFL

Newly acquired 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey to make debut vs. Chiefs

Published: Oct 23, 2022 at 09:42 AM

Christian Gonzales

Digital Content Producer

Sunday's rematch of Super Bowl LIV will feature a new running back in the San Francisco backfield.

Newly acquired 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday, per sources.

"From what I am told, he has a package of plays, base plays, first down-type of plays," Rapoport said on NFL GameDay Morning. "They thought about doing it in the red zone, settled on this."

The 2019 Pro Bowler is set to make his debut after he was traded from the Carolina Panthers to San Francisco on Thursday. The Panthers received a 2023 second-round draft pick, a 2023 third-rounder, a 2023 fourth-rounder and a 2024 fifth-round pick in exchange for McCaffrey.

In six games as a Panther this season, McCaffrey rushed 85 times for 393 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed 33 receptions with 277 receiving yards and a touchdown.

On Friday, McCaffrey couldn't hold back his excitement to get familiar with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.

"In my opinion, the best run game and one of the most explosive offenses in the league," McCaffrey said. "I think you just go down the roster and you look at all the guys -- I think that's the thing I'm most excited about -- just getting in the locker room, getting to meet the guys. How could you not want to play here as an offensive weapon?

"I'm extremely fired up. ... I can't express how happy I am to be here."

Shanahan praised his new running back's abilities on Friday.

"I don't think there's anything he can't do, whether it's in the pass game, the run game, blocking," Shanahan said of McCaffrey on Friday. "I think he's a very talented player. Just watching how he plays, he's a very smart player. He always gets to the right hole, is very smooth, and I've seen that at every level he's played in."

McCaffrey will hope to get acclimated in a new system led by quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and tight end George Kittle in his first game.

The 49ers (3-3) will host the Chiefs (4-2) on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Related Content

news

Mack Brown on QB Drake Maye's competitive nature: 'He had to fight to get a chicken leg at the table'

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown believes QB Drake Maye has the type of intangibles that will benefit him as he proceeds to the next level in next week's 2024 NFL Draft.

news

Dave Canales on improving Panthers: 'It's about building a great team, and then Bryce (Young) can just do his part'

The Carolina Panthers know they need to improve the situation around Bryce Young, but coach Dave Canales wants to build a team around the quarterback, not for the quarterback. "I think it's not about surrounding Bryce (Young) with great players; it's about building a great team," Canales said.

news

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz doesn't want 'fair trade' to deal No. 5 pick: 'They have to make it attractive for us'

With the draft now only a week away from kicking off in Detroit, front of mind for Joe Hortiz in his first season as general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers is how to best utilize the team's No. 5 overall pick, and the negotiation power that comes with that high-value selection.

news

New-look Lions: Reigning NFC North champions unveil fresh uniforms, including all-black alternates

The Detroit Lions unveiled their re-designed uniforms for the 2024 season on Thursday evening, including a new black-and-blue color rush look and three helmet shells.

news

Longtime NFL senior VP of officiating Walt Anderson transitioning to new role

Longtime NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson is transitioning to a new role as NFL rules analyst and club communications liaison, the league announced Thursday.

news

Browns GM Andrew Berry anticipating 'next time that Nick Chubb runs out of that tunnel'

Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed gratitude for Nick Chubb's recent contract restructure, along with anticipation for the recovering running back running back onto the field.

news

Broncos general manager George Paton: 'Our first pick, we have to hit on'

Quarterback or not, there's plenty of pressure for Denver general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to hit a home run with their first-round pick next week. "Our first pick, we have to hit on," Paton said Thursday.

news

Commanders GM Adam Peters not looking to trade out of second overall pick: 'We feel great about staying at No. 2'

Speaking with reporters a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters says the team "feels great" about holding the No. 2 overall pick.

news

NFL reinstates five players who were suspended indefinitely for violation of gambling policy

Five NFL players who were suspended indefinitely for violating the league's gambling policy in 2023 have been reinstated, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.

news

Bills QB Josh Allen on Stefon Diggs trade: 'I don't get paid to make changes on the team'

Bills QB Josh Allen gave his thoughts on the Stefon Diggs trade to Houston, which percieves to open up a glaring need at wide receiver, however, GM Brandon Beane said he likes the corps already in place ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

news

Lions GM Brad Holmes doesn't feel 'any more or less pressure' with late first-round pick

Brad Holmes has helped pit Detroit in unfamiliar territory at the end of Round 1 coming off a successful season, but that won't deter the Lions general manager for being ready for anything that comes his way on draft night.

news

Eliot Wolf says Patriots are 'open for business' in every round of 2024 NFL Draft

Speaking with the media a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, Patriots director of scouting Eliot Wolf says the team is "open for business" as New England hold the No. 3 overall pick.