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After watching Christian McCaffrey participate in the toughest practice of the week, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan believes the star running back is ready to make his season debut on Sunday.
Speaking to KNBR radio on Thursday, Shanahan shared that McCaffrey looked strong in practice and is on track to return against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“He’s been awesome these last two days,” Shanahan said. “You never know [about] a setback or anything, but these two days have been great, and I expect to see him out there.”
Key Practices and Final Preparations
McCaffrey has been on injured reserve since September 14 due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis, which started after a calf injury in early August. He even traveled to Germany to consult with a specialist while the team was in Los Angeles playing the Rams on September 22.
Before the team’s bye last week, Shanahan noted that McCaffrey stayed at the facility to do simulated practice work as a lead-up to his return. With no setbacks from that, his practice window opened on Monday.
McCaffrey joined a “bonus” practice on Monday and participated in limited sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday’s practice, the only padded and longest session of the week, was crucial for assessing his readiness.
The only thing left before McCaffrey’s anticipated return is Friday’s lighter practice, which is mainly a walk-through, and the flight to Tampa that evening. If all goes well, the team will activate him from injured reserve on Saturday. A corresponding roster move will be needed to make space for him.
Impact on the 49ers’ Offense
Shanahan and the 49ers have been eyeing this week for McCaffrey’s return as he worked through rehab and missed the team’s first eight games. His presence at practice has energized the 4-4 49ers.
“It’s been awesome,” quarterback Brock Purdy said. “Just what he brings to the table and really just firing everybody else up around. All of us coming off the bye week and feeling good and fresh and then you get 2-3 next to you in the backfield, it’s been awesome. Looks great moving around and he’s trending in the right direction. So, we’re excited to see what happens.”
Workload and Backup Options
If McCaffrey plays on Sunday, it’s uncertain if he will have his usual workload. In 2023, he was the team’s main running back, recording a career-high 417 touches (including playoffs) and winning the league’s Offensive Player of the Year award.
Jordan Mason, who has stepped up in McCaffrey’s absence and ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards per game, practiced with limitations on Thursday due to a shoulder injury.
Other running backs on the roster include rookie Isaac Guerendo and veteran Patrick Taylor Jr.
Despite these options, Shanahan said McCaffrey’s playing time will depend on how he feels during the game. Shanahan added that he does not think McCaffrey’s injuries came from being overused in past seasons.
“I think things happen to a body,” Shanahan said. “I think they happen in offseason, but I don’t think that really has to do with numbers. When a guy is healthy and good, they’re usually good. But we’ve got to see where his conditioning is at, how he is. I know he is conditioned as well as he can be, but how his football conditioning is and stuff. But usually, I don’t chalk up to numbers one year to affect the injury the next year.”
Shanahan also noted that receivers Jauan Jennings (hip) and Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique) will play against the Buccaneers if everything continues to go well.
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This report used information from ESPN.
