49ers' Christian McCaffrey returns to practice after two-month absence, eyeing comeback against Tampa Bay on Sunday. (AP/Tony Avelar)

- McCaffrey's return could provide a much-needed boost to the 49ers' offense, which has struggled in his absence.
- The star running back has been sidelined with Achilles tendinitis since early August, undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
- San Francisco opens a three-week window to activate McCaffrey from injured reserve as they prepare for the season's second half.
Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
SANTA CLARA — San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice for the first time in nearly two months as he hopes to return from an Achilles tendon injury for the second half of the season.
The Niners opened the practice window for McCaffrey on Monday, giving the team a three-week window to activate him from injured reserve. McCaffrey took part in a brief practice as San Francisco returned from a bye week and could play on Sunday against Tampa Bay if all goes well at practice this week.
“It’s such an amazing feeling to see that 2-3 out there doing an extensive warmup and doing the million high knees he does before practice,” All-Pro left tackle Trent Willimas said. “It was great seeing him.”
McCaffrey’s Journey to Recovery
McCaffrey has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since early August. He missed almost all of training camp before returning to practice just before the season opener. He was scratched at the last minute before that game against the New York Jets on Sept. 9 and then had a setback at practice Sept. 12.
He was placed on injured reserve two days later and spent the past seven weeks resting and rehabilitating, including a trip to Germany for treatment.
Related Story: McCaffrey Heads into Week 2 with the ‘Mentality’ He’ll Play ...
49ers Counting on McCaffrey’s Return
The 49ers (4-4) are counting on McCaffrey’s return for a second-half boost. San Francisco has sputtered in the first half of the season with the offense scoring 3.9 fewer points per game than last season.
“You could put him in any offense and that would make it better,” Williams said. “Obviously, our offense is kind of tailor-made to him and some of his strengths so it definitely will be a tremendous lift for us.”
Jordan Mason has done a good job filling in for McCaffrey with 685 yards rushing in eight games but the Niners have sorely missed the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year in the red zone and in the passing game.
McCaffrey led the NFL last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and was tied for the league lead with 21 touchdowns as he helped lead San Francisco to the Super Bowl.
Related Story: All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey Returns to 49ers Practice Following Calf Injury
McCaffrey’s Recent Injury History
After missing 23 games because of injuries in his final two full seasons with Carolina, McCaffrey had been healthy the past two seasons.
He missed only one game combined in 2022-23 — a meaningless Week 18 game last season for San Francisco when he had a sore calf. His 798 combined touches from scrimmage in the regular season and playoffs were the third most for any player in a two-year span in the past 10 years.
The Niners also opened the practice window for offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, who has been out all season with a knee injury. Receiver Jauan Jennings was back at practice as well on Monday after missing the two games before the bye with a hip injury and kicker Jake Moody was back after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote
16 hours ago
Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid
16 hours ago
Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents
16 hours ago
Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post
16 hours ago
Labor Day Quiz: Do You Know What a Knocker-Upper Is?
16 hours ago
Judge Blocks Pillar of Trump’s Mass Deportation Campaign
1 day ago
Visalia Driver Arrested for DUI After Multiple Crashes and Pedestrian Injured
2 days ago
Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest
15 hours ago
Categories

Fresno County Garnet Fire Grows to 18,748 Acres in Sierra National Forest

Israel Pounds Gaza City Suburbs, Netanyahu to Convene Security Cabinet

Trump Says He Will Order Voter ID Requirement for Every Vote

Greta Thunberg Joins Flotilla Heading for Gaza With Aid

Chicago Mayor Says Police Will Not Aid Federal Troops or Agents

Post-War Gaza Plan Sees Relocation of Population, ‘Digital Token’ for Palestinian Land: Washington Post
