- Christian McCaffrey has yet to suit up this year as he battles an Achilles issue
Christian McCaffrey has yet to play this season for the 49ers, but his status for this weekend’s game against the Bucs got clearer as coach Kyle Shanahan offered an update on radio station KNBR.
The running back, who was placed on injured reserve in September with Achilles tendinitis in both of his legs, began practicing for San Francisco this week.
And barring any last-minute changes, the 28-year-old will be back in action on Sunday according to Shanahan.
‘He’s been awesome these last two days,’ Shanahan said on his KNBR radio hit according to ESPN.
‘You never know [about] a setback or anything, but these two days have been great, and I expect to see him out there.’
Christian McCaffrey is expected to make his season debut this weekend against the Bucs
The running back played a pivotal role in the 49ers reaching the Super Bowl last year
On Monday, San Francisco opened McCaffrey’s 21-day practice window and designated his return from injured reserve.
He participated in a limited fashion on Wednesday and Thursday as well, with the latter session the lone padded practice of the week.
‘It’s been awesome,’ quarterback Brock Purdy said of McCaffrey’s return to practice.
‘Just what he brings to the table and really just firing everybody else up around. All of us coming off the bye week and feeling good and fresh and then you get 2-3 next to you in the backfield, it’s been awesome. Looks great moving around and he’s trending in the right direction. So, we’re excited to see what happens.’
The running back, who missed just one regular season game last year, missed most of training camp this past summer with a calf issue.
He was later a last-minute scratch ahead of the team’s season opener vs. the Jets and hasn’t played since.
The 49ers (4-4) have been ravaged by injuries this season, as Brandon Aiyuk suffered a season-ending ACL and MCL tear while Deebo Samuel has essentially missed two games as well (he was active in Week 7 as he battled an illness but only played four snaps).
McCaffrey’s deputy at running back, Jordan Mason, is also dealing with a shoulder injury and was limited on Thursday.
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