What happened: Christian McCaffrey smiled and said, "We'll see," when asked by Vic Tafur whether he would line up in the slot more often again this week. The versatile back has already taken inside receiver reps to help offset a depleted wideout group.

Why it matters: Deploying McCaffrey in the slot keeps a primary playmaker involved in the passing game while compensating for missing wide receivers. Shifting him out of the backfield also forces opposing defenses to adjust their coverage matchups across the middle.

What to watch: Pre-snap alignments on Sunday's opening offensive series will show how heavily the game plan leans on McCaffrey as an inside receiver.