September 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, United States; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) leaves the field after the game against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was activated from injured reserve Saturday and will make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
McCaffrey missed the first eight games with Achilles tendonitis in both legs and was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.McCaffrey, 28, first injured his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve before Week 2.But now he’s ready to go, and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is ready to give him the ball.
McCaffrey was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: 1,459 rushing yards and a league-leading 14 touchdowns, plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.
McCaffrey hasn’t played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25-22 in overtime in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.
The 49ers opened up a roster spot for McCaffrey by waiving running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on Friday.San Francisco also elevated safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. from the practice squad Saturday.–Field level media
