49ers RB Christian McCaffrey returns from calf injury

Field Level Media|published: Tue 16th January, 15:37 2024

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) celebrates after beating the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. credits: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was expected to be a full participant at Tuesday's practice, coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed.

McCaffrey, a 2023 consensus All-Pro selection, sat out the Week 18 finale against the Los Angeles Rams with a calf strain.

He sustained the injury during San Francisco's Week 17 win against Washington that clinched the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

The 49ers had a bye during wild-card weekend, meaning McCaffrey has had since Dec. 31 to rest and recover.

Barring a setback, he will spearhead the San Francisco offense against the upstart Green Bay Packers in the divisional round on Saturday night in Santa Clara, Calif.

McCaffrey, 27, led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459) and yards from scrimmage (2,023) this season and shared the NFL lead with 21 touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving).

In seven seasons since the Carolina Panthers chose him with the eighth pick of the 2017 draft, he has rushed for 6,185 yards and 52 touchdowns, along with 509 receptions for 4,320 yards and 29 TDs, with the Panthers (2017-22) and 49ers (2022-23).

—Field Level Media