SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is making a promising return to the field after being sidelined by Achilles tendinitis. McCaffrey has been back at practice for a week and is expected to make his season debut this Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism about McCaffrey's progress, noting that the star running back has had three consecutive days of practice without any setbacks. Shanahan stated that he anticipates McCaffrey will be ready to play in the upcoming game.
McCaffrey has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis since early August, causing him to miss most of training camp. Despite returning to practice just before the season opener, he was unable to play and experienced a setback shortly after. This led to his placement on injured reserve for the past seven weeks, during which he focused on rest and rehabilitation, including seeking treatment in Germany.
The 49ers, who currently hold a 4-4 record, are eagerly awaiting McCaffrey's return to provide a much-needed boost for the second half of the season. The team has struggled offensively in the first half, scoring significantly fewer points per game compared to last season.
Quarterback Brock Purdy expressed excitement about McCaffrey's impending return, highlighting the energy and skill he brings to the team. McCaffrey's absence has been felt, particularly in the red zone and passing game, where his contributions were instrumental in the team's success last season.
While Jordan Mason has performed admirably in McCaffrey's absence, rushing for 685 yards in eight games, the 49ers have felt the void left by the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year. McCaffrey's exceptional performance last season, where he led the NFL in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns, was a key factor in San Francisco's journey to the Super Bowl.
Having missed a total of 23 games due to injuries in his final two seasons with Carolina, McCaffrey had managed to stay healthy over the past two years until his recent setback. His return is eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates alike, as he looks to resume his dominant presence on the field and contribute to the 49ers' push for success in the remainder of the season.
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