The 49ers are aiming for Christian McCaffrey to make his 2024 debut in Week 10 against the Buccaneers, and here's the latest info we know.
Way back in Week 1, it was something of a shock when the San Francisco 49ers inactivated All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey for Monday Night Football against the New York Jets.
True, McCaffrey sat out the preseason because of Achilles issues. But when those compounded, landing him on injured reserve, the Niners were tossed into a bit of a panic mode, one only alleviated to an extent, thanks to the emergence of third-year pro tailback Jordan Mason.
Mason plugged the gap admirably. But he's not McCaffrey, and San Francisco's offense was notably less potent, particularly in the red zone.
News and updates surrounding the reigning Offensive Player of the Year had been optimistic leading up to the season's halfway point, suggesting a second-half return could be in the works. Indeed, McCaffrey's practice window opened with the hope he could be activated off IR in time for the 49ers' Week 10 road game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Well, that game is now here. Will McCaffrey play?
All signs point to Christian McCaffrey playing in Week 10 vs. Buccaneers
Activating McCaffrey off IR doesn't automatically point to him playing in Week 10, as he could theoretically be inactive for the game, as was the case way back in Week 1.
However, judging off comments made by both head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, it's looking as if McCaffrey will suit up and play against the Bucs.
"It's been two good days," Shanahan said of McCaffrey on KNBR 680 the Thursday prior to the game. "I'm just kind of messing around, but he's been awesome these last two days. So hopefully, that continues to go well, and I expect to get him out there.
"You never know for a setback or anything, but these two days have been great, and I expect to see him out there."
HC Kyle Shanahan expects RB Christian McCaffrey to play Sunday in Tampa Bay. (via KNBR) pic.twitter.com/VG8cqqQz3h
— NFL (@NFL) November 8, 2024
Lynch, also speaking on KNBR 680 the following Friday, echoed Shanahan's hopes.
"You just want to see that they respond," Lynch said about McCaffrey returning to practice. "But he's looked terrific, and I'd say hopeful that he's going to be out there with us ."
Of course, there could be a setback that wasn't announced between Friday's practice and early Sunday, and McCaffrey will have to clear the last possible hurdle: announcement of the Niners' inactive players on game day, which takes place 90 minutes prior to kickoff.
However, judging by all the latest news, statements and reports, it appears as if McCaffrey is in line to make his 2024 debut today.
San Francisco and Tampa Bay kick off on Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. ET from Raymond James Stadium.