Trent Williams ‘energized’ to have Christian McCaffrey back on the practice field

Nov 5, 2024, 6:00 AM

PITTSBURGH, PA - September 10: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes as Trent Williams #71 blocks during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on September 10, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The 49ers defeated the Steelers 30-7. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

(Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

The 49ers received a massive boost with the return of Christian McCaffrey Monday, none more happy to see him on the practice field than Trent Williams.

The San Francisco 49ers All-Pro left tackle was elected to welcome the team’s star running back back at Monday’s bonus practice after the bye week. While McCaffrey still has to clear hurdles before he can be activated off injured reserve, the ballcarrier’s reappearance gave The Faithful, and the roster alike, hope for the remainder of the 2024 campaign.

“Such an amazing feeling to see that 23 out there doing his extensive warm-up,” Trent Williams said about McCaffrey Monday. “Those million high knees he does before practice, great seeing.”

“A million high knees he does before practice, great to see him.”

Trent Williams was all about Christian McCaffrey’s extensive warmup. 😂#49ers | #FTTB pic.twitter.com/DLFq4VaehU

— Matt Lively (@mattblively) November 4, 2024

CMC wasn’t the only player making his return to practice Monday for the 49ers.

Wide receiver Jauan Jennings and kicker Jake Moody were also spotted during the media portion. Additionally, Trent Williams mentioned that linebacker Dre Greenlaw was seen doing sprints on the side fields, making his return to football ever more near.

But the big offensive lineman would be lying to say he wasn’t most jazzed to see Christian McCaffrey in the backfield, even if it’s just practice.

“Me, myself I was energized,” Williams stated. “It was a very short practice. We only had one team period but I was energized and I’m super happy for him that he turned the corner and he’s able to go out and do what he loves again…Even had a glimpse of Greenlaw out there sprinting around with a helmet on. Both of them, just seeing that, got our juices going.”

The honeymoon phase of CMC’s return will have to be short however, as SF is 4-4 coming out of the bye.

The 49ers’ next four weeks may prove to be the most pivotal of the season, spending three on the road. The final two games include the Green Bay Packers and Buffalo Bills, both in postseason standings thus far.

San Francisco is no stranger to sustained success, winning over 70% of its’ contests after the bye week under coach Kyle Shanahan. Last season was no different, winning six straight after a week of rest. The Red & Gold will be looking to do that once more, especially with their best offensive playmaker back in the fold.

“Offensive Player of the Year,” Trent Williams said when asked what McCaffrey brings to the table. “Really you could probably put him in any offense and it’s going to make them better. Obviously our offense is kind of tailor-made to him and some of his strengths, so definitely going to be a tremendous lift for us.”

#49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is back at practice. pic.twitter.com/gIxhduVNoW

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) November 4, 2024

Williams isn’t lying either. Since joining the 49ers, McCaffrey has accounted for 75% of his total touchdowns inside the redzone. Since he’s been missing from the lineup, the offense has cratered in that same department.

Coincidence? Probably not.

Even still, McCaffrey’s time on IR allowed the younger RBs to get their opportunity. Jordan Mason has been a feature bellcow, while rookie Isaac Guerendo had his best NFL outing Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys.

Will McCaffrey’s return mean diminishing roles for the young bucks? Absolutely.

However, that doesn’t take away from what Mason and Guerendo have built in 2024, with Trent Williams and the 49ers’ roster taking notice.

“We wouldn’t have heard about Guerendo, and the excellence of Mason if Christian was healthy,” the left tackle said. “So there’s a silver lining in some of that stuff. Now we know that even without having [RB Elijah Mitchell], we still have a super deep backfield and improving.”

Trent Williams watching NFL Trade Deadline closely

With a plethora of starters returning following the Week 9 bye, it almost feels like boosts to the roster have already been made.

Almost.

49ers general manager John Lynch is notorious for being aggressive near the trade deadline, landing both McCaffrey and defensive end Chase Young in back-to back seasons. 2024 will likely be no different for the 49ers.

But with the clock nearing midnight (4 PM EST actually), does Lynch & Co. have a trick up their sleeve? Trent Williams seems to think so.

“I keep an eye out for John and Kyle,” he said. “They are super aggressive in doing anything to better the chances of us being a winning football team. So I know, if there’s a move to be made, they probably going to try to make it.

“If not, we got more than enough in this locker room to go to war with anybody.”