49ers RB Christian McCaffrey returns to practice for first time since early September

Nov 4, 2024, 11:26 AM | Updated: 11:59 am

Pro Bowl Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after beating the Seattle Seahaw...

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 15: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts after beating the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 15, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

After months on ice, the return of Christian McCaffrey appears to be upon us.

The San Francisco have officially opened the practice window for the star running back to return from injured reserve Monday. This comes following a successful ramp-up to football the past month or so, with a bye week full of heavy practices being the final determinant for his slated return to the practice field. CMC’s presence on Monday only confirmed what was expected, now with a real shot to play Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was first with the report, as the team confirmed thereafter.

Your first look at Christian McCaffrey back on the practice field for the #49ers.

We’ll see how he responds the rest of the week, but he is slated to return Week 10 from bilateral Achilles tendinitis. pic.twitter.com/5o8jlRZvZg

— Amiliano “Amil” Fragoso (@AmilianoFragoso) November 4, 2024

While McCaffrey’s activation window does allow for three weeks, his game status ahead of Week 10 will be determined by how he responds this week in practice. Should all go to plan, he is expected to make his 2024 season debut against the Buccaneers Sunday.

The star running back has been dealing with bilateral achilles tendinitis since training camp, missing all of the preseason. Then, McCaffrey suffered an initial setback during pregame warmups had of Week 1, prompting a late-day decision to keep him sidelined. A few days later, CMC suffered his worse setback of all, forcing him to be placed on IR for the foreseeable future.

Now 53 days removed from that Thursday practice on Sept. 12th, the reigning NFL offensive player of the year is on track to return to gameday very soon.

In addition to CMC’s return to practice, offensive lineman Jon Feliciano also had his practice window opened Monday. He has bee sidelined all season due to a knee injury. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings and kicker Jake Moody are also seen on the practice field Monday, both out the last few weeks with nagging injuries.

While the 49ers will look to the trade market before Tuesday’s deadline, the reinsertion of McCaffrey & Co. has given a much needed boost to San Francisco.

More on Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey, 28, has been an offensive juggernaut since joining the 49ers midway through the 2022 season. The Colorado native has amassed nearly 4,000 scrimmage yards and 39 touchdowns (regular season and playoffs) in 33 games played in Red & Gold. He has also throw for a score as well, making him the complete package in Shanahan’s offense.