49ers receive good news on Christian McCaffrey's injury, Ambry Thomas to undergo surgery

In the second half of Sunday's game against the Washington Commanders, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey had to exit due to a calf strain. Although initially deemed "questionable" to return, McCaffrey didn't get back on the football field.

With the 49ers securing the NFC's No. 1 seed in the playoffs, McCaffrey now has ample time for rest before returning to action.

Describing the injury, McCaffrey informed reporters after the game, "It was pretty minor. I was just having a hard time for a little bit, pushing off, and just for precautionary reasons, thought it would be better just to rest it."

On Monday, the day after the 49ers' 27-10 victory, head coach Kyle Shanahan provided an update on the running back via a conference call with reporters. McCaffrey sustained a "mild calf strain," an injury that should not sideline him very long.

When asked about his level of confidence in his running back being ready for the 49ers' first playoff game, Shanahan said, "Yeah, we're real confident on that, and it was good news. It could have been a lot worse. So we're happy. We'll take care of him this week, and hopefully, he'll start getting to go during our off week."

Shanahan also stated that cornerback Ambry Thomas will undergo surgery on his broken hand on Tuesday. He is unlikely to play in the 49ers' regular-season finale against the Los Angeles Rams.

How much time might Thomas miss?

"It would only be this week," Shanahan responded. "I think they even told me before the Washington game that he would get surgery this Tuesday, and there could still be an outside chance to play this Sunday. So I doubt that we would risk that now, in this situation that we're in. But that makes me feel pretty confident for our next game, he'll be available."

Additionally, the coach provided updates on players who missed Sunday's game.

"Arik Armstead, with his foot and knee, we'll continue to rest him, get him ready for the playoffs," Shanahan said. "[TE Ross] Dwelley, with his high-ankle [sprain], we'll see, but not likely to go this week. And [WR] Jauan [Jennings] and [T] Jaylon Moore, they're both still in the [concussion] protocol.

"And [S] Ji'Ayir Brown, his knee will just continue to rehab, and we'll see how it goes this week. I'm not sure whether he has a chance or not."

Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray

Shanahan also noted that two recovering wide receivers, Ray-Ray McCloud and Danny Gray, may be close to returning.

"They'll come back in and practice this week," Shanahan said. "I believe Danny's got two more weeks, and Ray-Ray, we'll start his window Wednesday, as soon as we start practicing. So Ray-Ray will have a chance to be up, and we'll see how it goes with Danny."