What happened: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey missed Tuesday's joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers due to muscle tightness. Head coach Kyle Shanahan noted that McCaffrey would have participated had it been a standard practice session. The organization also dismissed speculation that the missed time stems from a contract dispute.

Why it matters: The clarification alleviates concerns over a potential holdout. Keeping McCaffrey sidelined during the intensified environment of a joint practice minimizes the risk of aggravating the muscle issue ahead of the 2026 regular season.

What to watch: San Francisco will monitor McCaffrey's status as they conclude their preseason schedule.