49ers star RB Christian McCaffrey questionable, will come off IR

Field Level Media|published: Fri 8th November, 20:22 2024

Sep 9, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) watches injured from the sidelines in the second quarter against the New York Jets at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was listed as questionable on Friday's injury report and is expected to play in the team's road game Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCaffrey has missed the entire season with tendinitis in both Achilles. He initially hurt his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 2.

But now he's ready to go and 49ers coach Mike Shanahan said McCaffrey will be activated from IR on Saturday.

"We'll take him off IR tomorrow, and then he'll be good to go unless something crazy happens on this plane ride," Shanahan told reporters on Friday. "He should be good to go tomorrow once he gets off IR."

McCaffrey was NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.

McCaffrey hasn't played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.

The 28-year-old has not been in high spirits while sitting out for the 49ers (4-4).

"It's very tough being injured," McCaffrey said. "It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now, ready to go."

Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Nick Bosa (hip) and receiver Deebo Samuel (rib/oblique) are also listed as questionable.

Shanahan admitted he thought Bosa would be further along.

"I am (concerned) to a degree," Shanahan said. "He wasn't able to do a lot. He definitely was extremely limited. Hoping he'll be all right, but we'll see on Sunday."

Also questionable are offensive lineman Jon Feliciano (knee) and safety Malik Mustapha (calf). Four 49ers were ruled out -- receiver Chris Conley, defensive linemen Kevin Givens (groin) and Yetur Gross-Matos (knee) and cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Ward is away from the team after the unexpected death of his 1-year daughter.

--Field Level Media

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