49ers’ Kyle Shanahan expects Christian McCaffrey to debut vs. Bucs

Field Level Media|published: Thu 7th November, 22:47 2024

Oct 6, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks on the field before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Barring a setback, star running back Christian McCaffrey is ready to make his season debut for the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan commented on the progress McCaffrey has made in practice when speaking to KNBR radio in San Francisco on Thursday afternoon.

"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."

McCaffrey was inactive for Week 1 before being placed on injured reserve Sept. 14 with bilateral Achilles tendinitis. The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year sought treatment in Germany, where he received a platelet-rich plasma injection.

On Monday, he practiced for the first time since September, starting the timer on his 21-day window to return from the IR midseason. He was listed as a limited participant on the 49ers' practice report both Wednesday and Thursday.

McCaffrey led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage last season: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. He had another 59 carries for 268 yards and four touchdowns plus a team-leading 19 receptions for 152 yards in the playoffs.

McCaffrey last played in a game on Feb. 11, the 49ers' loss to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown.

--Field Level Media

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