Veteran defensive back Dontae Johnson will be back on the field on Sunday when the 49ers take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, the 49ers won’t have to make a decision on newly acquired running back Christian McCaffrey until 90 minutes before the 1:25 PM kick-off at Levi’s Stadium.
McCaffrey is on the 49ers’ 53-man roster after the 49ers traded four draft picks on Thursday night to take him over from the Carolina Panthers.
General Manager John Lynch described it as a “big assignment” for McCaffrey to learn enough about the 49ers’ game plan to be available for game action just two days after his arrival in the Bay Area.
McCaffrey played in each of the Panthers’ first six games of the season. He practiced with Carolina on Wednesday and Thursday before hopping on a flight to the bay at 8 a.m. Friday.
He is physically ready to play. But will he have enough information about the team’s offense to act against the Chiefs? That is the question.
Coach Kyle Shanahan said there are many factors that go into the team’s decision to have McCaffrey as one of the team’s 48 active players, including how it will affect special teams.
And if there is an injury in the run back, would McCaffrey be able to play a major role without hampering the rest of the offense? Jeff Wilson Jr. is lining up for his fifth start of the season as halfback.
“Those are the things we really need to think about,” Shanahan said.
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The 49ers made only one move that will affect Sunday’s game. Johnson was removed from the practice squad for the second game in a row.
Starting cornerback Charvarius Ward is considered doubtful for the game against his former team due to a groin injury.
Johnson, a nine-year NFL veteran, saw time on defense at nickel and on special teams in the 49ers’ 28-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6.
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