After missing the first half of the season, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey may finally be back.
McCaffrey, who has been out since the start of the season with Achilles tendonitis and calf cramps, returned to practice Monday in San Francisco after nearly two months on injured reserve. The 49ers officially opened the reserve practice window for McCaffrey on Monday.
The 28-year-old running back flew to Germany in late September for treatment and a second opinion, and had reportedly targeted a return in early November. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, his recovery is expected to return on Sunday when the 49ers travel to play the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
McCaffrey, who was a late scratch in Week 1, was placed on IR after Week 2 and remained on injured reserve for a few weeks after the required four-game stint due to his injuries. McCaffrey is the reigning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and led the league with 2,023 yards from scrimmage (including 1,459 rushing) in 2023, earning 21 total touchdowns that season.
San Francisco is coming off a bye week, with its final game being a win over the Dallas Cowboys on October 27.