SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Christian McCaffrey, the standout running back for the San Francisco 49ers, made his return to practice after being sidelined for nearly two months due to an Achilles tendon injury. This marks a significant step as he looks to contribute in the latter part of the season.
The 49ers initiated McCaffrey’s practice window on Monday, providing a three-week timeframe to potentially activate him from injured reserve. Following a bye week, he participated in a limited practice session and could be in line to play this upcoming Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, contingent on how he progresses through the week.
McCaffrey’s challenges began with Achilles tendinitis that emerged in early August, which prevented him from participating in most of the training camp. Although he returned to practice just ahead of the season opener, he was ultimately unable to play against the New York Jets on September 9 after a last-minute decision. A subsequent setback in practice on September 12 led to his placement on injured reserve just two days later. Since then, he has dedicated the last seven weeks to rest and rehabilitation, including a treatment trip to Germany.
The 49ers, currently holding a 4-4 record, are hoping McCaffrey’s return will provide much-needed momentum for the second half of the season. The team’s offensive production has lagged, averaging 3.9 fewer points per game compared to the previous season. While Jordan Mason has stepped in admirably during McCaffrey’s absence, amassing 685 rushing yards over eight games, the team has notably struggled without the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year, particularly in critical situations like the red zone and during passing plays.
Last season, McCaffrey led the league with a remarkable 2,023 yards from scrimmage and was co-leader with 21 touchdowns, playing a crucial role in guiding the 49ers to the Super Bowl. Despite missing 23 games in his last two full seasons with Carolina due to injuries, he had remained mostly healthy in the past two years, missing only one game combined in the 2022-2023 seasons—an inconsequential Week 18 match when he experienced calf soreness. His 798 combined touches from scrimmage during the regular season and playoffs rank third for any player within a two-year span over the last decade.
Additionally, the 49ers have opened the practice window for offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who has been absent throughout the season due to a knee injury. Receiver Jauan Jennings returned to practice after missing the past two games with a hip injury, and kicker Jake Moody was also back in action following a three-game absence due to a high ankle sprain.