Christian McCaffrey is finally taking a big step toward his eagerly awaited return in the 2024 season.
The San Francisco 49ers officially opened his practice window this Monday, a key move for McCaffrey as he works his way back onto the field.
After dealing with lingering calf and Achilles issues that sidelined him since training camp, McCaffrey now has 21 days for the 49ers to officially activate him on the roster. This marks a significant point in what has been a long recovery process for the star running back.
Back in training camp, head coach Kyle Shanahan initially expected McCaffrey to miss only a few practices. The plan was to rest him during preseason games as a precaution. But when he was unexpectedly ruled out for the season opener, fans and analysts began to wonder if this was more than just a minor setback.
With time, McCaffrey’s injury became a bigger concern, ultimately landing him on injured reserve. He even traveled to Germany for specialized treatment to address the persistent issue, showing just how serious he and the 49ers were about getting him healthy.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Now, though, the window is open for McCaffrey to get back on the field, and the 49ers, who sit at a balanced 4-4 record, are hopeful that he’ll make his season debut sooner rather than later.
In the meantime, Jordan Mason has done an admirable job stepping in, rushing for 685 yards in eight games. He’s faced his own minor injuries along the way, with a shoulder tweak in Week 8, and rookie Isaac Guerendo has also shown promise as a capable backup.
Yet, there’s no doubt that the return of McCaffrey, last year’s AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and NFL rushing leader, would be a game-changer for the 49ers. His nose for the end zone and dual-threat ability have been invaluable since he joined the team from the Carolina Panthers in 2022.
The 49ers know what McCaffrey brings to the table, and his return could provide the offensive boost they need to push through the second half of the season.
For now, he’s not back just yet, but with his practice window open, it’s only a matter of time before CMC is on the field again.
