Things are looking up for San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
After having his training camp cut short by a bout with Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey was ruled out for Week 1 and then placed on IR for the first nine weeks of the season. Now his 21-day practice window is opened and he successfully participated in Monday’s post-Bye bonus practice ahead of a Week 10 showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the team didn’t do much in Monday’s session, but noted that McCaffrey got through it pain-free.
All eyes now turn toward the regular week of practice, which opened Wednesday. Here are the latest updates on McCaffrey:
Christian McCaffrey injury update
McCaffrey was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice. Shanahan on Wednesday told reporters the club is looking to get three days in a row of practice from the reigning Offensive Player of the Year before putting him back in the lineup for a game.
How long will Christian McCaffrey be out?
His return may be in Week 10, and it’s clear that’s what the team is hoping for. There’s some urgency to get him back as the postseason slips away from them. McCaffrey’s practice window was opened Nov. 4, so he’ll need to be activated by Nov. 25 at the latest, which is the Monday before Week 13.
49ers RB depth chart
If McCaffrey can’t go vs. the Buccaneers, the team will likely lean on RB Jordan Mason, who was also limited Wednesday with a shoulder injury he initially sustained in Week 6. He re-aggravated that injury in Week 8 and opened the door for rookie RB Isaac Guerendo to carve out his best game as a pro. No McCaffrey likely leads to a Mason-led backfield with Guerendo working in as a change-of-pace back. Patrick Taylor is also on the depth chart, but wouldn’t likely be a factor unless Mason and McCaffrey are both out.