The 49ers acquired the star running back last Thursday. On Friday morning, he was on a plane traveling across the country to join his new teammates. On Sunday, he suited up and played against the Kansas City Chiefs.
That's not long to prepare for a football game when you just got the playbook into your hands.
"I think definitely good to get my bearings a little bit after last week," McCaffrey told reporters on Thursday (h/t Grant Cohn of SI). "That was a little bit overwhelming, but we're here this week, and I feel much better now."
McCaffrey already has two full practices under his belt this week and has had more time to learn the language of head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense.
The running back doesn't feel added pressure after the Carolina Panthers traded him to the 49ers. He doesn't see himself as a savior, in Santa Clara to save the team's season. However, that doesn't mean he isn't motivated to help turn things around for the 3-4 squad.
"It's not extra pressure, but there's definitely a sense of urgency on my part," McCaffrey admits. "I want to win. I got traded. So yeah, I've got a chip on my shoulder."
McCaffrey added, "I understand this is a business, but any time somebody gets rid of you or something happens, you take it personally. ... It's part of the league. It happens to coaches. It happens to players. It's just more wood in the fire. I've been here before, so I'm excited about it, and like I said, I'm just excited just to continue to work with these guys in this locker room. This is a hell of a locker room with a lot of great players and a lot of great coaches, so I'm just excited to be a part of this organization."
McCaffrey is also excited to work with his new quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo.
"He throws a great ball," the running back said. "He's dialed in, commands the huddle, gets everybody lined [up]. He's a lot of fun to work with. It's been good getting to know him, and I'm excited to continue to play with him. ... Jimmy's going to get the ball where it needs to be, and it's just my job to be there for him (on the route), and be there for him in the right time."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Christian McCaffrey's father confident 49ers star will overcome latest setback
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed after Sunday night's loss to the Buffalo Bills that running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a right posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the game. While Shanahan did not rule out the possibility of the injury... -
49ers vs. Bills injury updates: Christian McCaffrey (knee) ruled out
The San Francisco 49ers entered Sunday night's matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium without several key players. Defensive end Nick Bosa, cornerback Deommodore Lenoir, and tackle Trent Williams were among seven players listed as inactive for the prime-time... -
49ers fear Christian McCaffrey suffered potentially season-ending PCL injury
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed Sunday night that the team fears running back Christian McCaffrey suffered a right posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury during the game against the Buffalo Bills. The injury could potentially end McCaffrey's... -
Christian McCaffrey takes responsibility after 49ers' loss to Packers: "I just gotta be better"
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey didn't hide his disappointment after Sunday's crushing loss to the Green Bay Packers. Despite being shorthanded due to injuries, the 49ers had hoped to put up more of a fight in a critical matchup at Lambeau Field. Instead,...