Fri Nov 08 04:40:00 UTC 2024: ## 49ers Star Running Back Christian McCaffrey Set to Return Against Buccaneers

**SANTA CLARA, Calif. –** After weeks of anticipation, San Francisco 49ers fans are set to welcome back star running back Christian McCaffrey for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed Thursday that McCaffrey has progressed well enough in practice to return from a bilateral Achilles tendinitis injury that sidelined him since Week 2.

“He’s been awesome these last two days,” Shanahan said. “You never know [about] a setback or anything, but these two days have been great, and I expect to see him out there.”

McCaffrey’s return is a huge boost for the 4-4 49ers, who have relied on the likes of Jordan Mason and rookie Isaac Guerendo in his absence.

“It’s been awesome,” quarterback Brock Purdy said of McCaffrey’s return to practice. “Just what he brings to the table and really just firing everybody else up around. All of us coming off the bye week and feeling good and fresh and then you get 2-3 next to you in the backfield, it’s been awesome.”

While McCaffrey is expected to play, his workload will be determined by his conditioning and how he feels leading up to the game. Shanahan confirmed that other key Niners, including wide receivers Jauan Jennings (hip) and Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique), are also expected to play.

McCaffrey’s return could not come at a better time for the 49ers, who are looking to gain momentum after a bye week and a 4-4 start to the season. His dynamic skillset and ability to impact both the running and passing games will be crucial for the Niners as they face a formidable opponent in the Buccaneers.

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