The San Francisco 49ers did not have the benefit of Christian McCaffrey's presence at OTAs.

But the reigning Offensive Player of the Year has provided clarity that he is not taking part in a contract holdout by reporting for mandatory minicamp.

McCaffrey's return to the 49ers' facility would seem to back up reports that his decision to skip OTAs was not contract related.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner's comments that McCaffrey's absence was the "business part" of football had appeared to conflict those reports but, even if he is not happy with his current contract, the 2023 rushing champion evidently isn't prepared to risk fines to show it.

McCaffrey could still indicate his desire to receive an improved contract by electing not to practice while at minicamp, executing a hold-in rather than a holdout. The 2017 eighth overall pick is due an $11.8 million base salary in 2024, much lower than the $20.9 million that will paid to the 49ers' other do-it-all playmaker Deebo Samuel and below Brandon Aiyuk's current fifth-year option salary of $14.1 million.

He may wish to narrow that gap to both players, but McCaffrey's decision to at least report to the facility means the Niners will have at most one holdout during the final week of practice before the long pre-training camp break. Aiyuk's presence at minicamp is a severe doubt as he seeks a long-term extension from the 49ers.

Like McCaffrey, Aiyuk did not report to OTAs, and he is unlikely to be deterred in continuing his holdout simply because this section of the 49ers' workout program is mandatory.

With no sign of an Aiyuk deal on the horizon, the 49ers don't need the complication of having to add a McCaffrey contract saga to their list of things to resolve. His exact stance is still to be revealed. However, right now, it doesn't appear as if McCaffrey is going to give the Niners that headache.

Four San Francisco 49ers players who must make a good impression at this week’s mandatory minicamp

It’s their last chance before training camp.