Kyle Shanahan’s Thursday night optimism has turned into certainty for Sunday.
The San Francisco 49ers head coach announced Friday that star running back Christian McCaffrey, listed as questionable, will indeed be “good to go” for their Week 10 faceoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Niners plan to activate McCaffrey from injured reserve on Saturday, setting the stage for his long-awaited season debut barring any last-minute setbacks before reaching Tampa Bay. This will mark the end of McCaffrey’s extended absence due to Achilles and calf injuries that kept him out for the first eight games of the season.
Since arriving in San Francisco via a trade from the Carolina Panthers in 2022, McCaffrey had not missed a game because of injury. Shanahan mentioned he was initially cautious, keeping CMC out of practices and preseason games over the summer, but the injuries turned out to be more serious than expected. McCaffrey even sought treatment from a specialist in Germany during his stint on injured reserve.
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While the New York Giants and Panthers prepare to kick off Sunday’s Week 10 action in Germany, McCaffrey will make his return stateside, facing a familiar opponent in the Buccaneers. The 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year has a strong history against Tampa Bay, having played them nine times—seven with Carolina and twice with San Francisco.
Over those matchups, McCaffrey has racked up 10 total touchdowns and 882 scrimmage yards, showcasing why his presence on the field is pivotal. His return could provide a much-needed boost for the 49ers, who currently sit at 4-4 and are looking to gain momentum.
As the 49ers aim to get back on track, all eyes will be on McCaffrey to see how he performs in his first action of the 2024 season. It’s a key matchup for both teams, with kickoff set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday
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