Christian McCaffrey returns to practice, aiming to play Sunday vs. Bucs

Christian McCaffrey is back in practice, signaling a potential return to the field for the San Francisco 49ers. The star running back has been sidelined this season due to achilles tendonitis, which has kept him from participating in any games thus far.

Following a productive practice session on Monday, McCaffrey is eyeing his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, which will be broadcast on FOX and the FOX Sports app.

At 28 years old, McCaffrey boasts an impressive resume as a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. He is often hailed as one of the finest running backs of his era. During his first full season with the 49ers, after being traded midseason in 2022, McCaffrey led the league with 1,459 rushing yards and earned the title of 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, playing a pivotal role in the team’s journey to both the NFC championship and the Super Bowl.

Currently, the 49ers hold a 4-4 record and are coming off a bye week. The team has faced a series of injuries this season, notably to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who will be out for the remainder of the year due to a torn ACL. Yet, McCaffrey’s absence has had the most significant impact. Despite averaging 159 rushing yards per game, which ranks fourth in the NFL, the 49ers have struggled in the red zone without McCaffrey. They currently sit at 28th in red zone touchdown efficiency, a stark contrast to their league-leading performance in the previous season.

Source

You May Also Like
Lions acquire DE Za’Darius Smith from Browns to bolster pass rush

Lions Supercharge Pass Rush with Za’Darius Smith Trade from Browns!

The Detroit Lions acquire DE Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns to…
Room for two GOATs? How Tom Brady would feel if Patrick Mahomes ‘three-peats’

Can Tom Brady Handle Sharing the GOAT Title with Patrick Mahomes If He Completes a Three-Peat?

Room for two GOATs? Tom Brady’s perspective on Patrick Mahomes potentially achieving…
Eagles' A.J. Brown felt like a 'paid actor' in Super Bowl LVII loss to Chiefs

A.J. Brown Reflects on Super Bowl LVII: “I Felt Like a Paid Actor” in Heartbreaking Loss to Chiefs

A.J. Brown felt like a “paid actor” during Super Bowl LVII, a…
NFLPA boss pushes back on Roger Goodell: 'No one wants to play an 18th game'

NFLPA Chief Challenges Goodell: Players Firmly Oppose 18th Game!

The NFLPA boss firmly states that an 18-game NFL regular season is…