Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey appears to be on track for a return after missing the first eight games with Achilles tendinitis. The 49ers opened their practice window this week and McCaffrey participated in Monday’s lighter bonus session. He came out of his first on-field work of the season without any pain and could dress as soon as this weekend’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“He was good (after Monday’s practice),” head coach Kyle Shanahan said. “We didn’t overdo it but we didn’t have any pain. It was good yesterday and we were excited to get him out today.”

McCaffrey is coming off a breakout 2023 season, in which he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors, amassing 2,023 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. The 49ers will face the Buccaneers on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

The team has three more practices scheduled this week, starting today. Shanahan expects McCaffrey to be a limited participant in Wednesday’s session.

When asked what he needed to see from McCaffrey to determine if he was ready for Sunday, Shanahan replied: “He’s just Christian McCaffrey, and he’s not in pain. … As long as he doesn’t has no pain and has no setbacks every day.

Shanahan remained noncommittal when asked about McCaffrey’s expected workload upon his return, noting that he doesn’t believe the running back’s heavy workload last season contributed to his current injury.

“We have to see where his conditioning is, how he’s doing,” Shanahan added. “I know he’s conditioned as good as he can be, but how’s his football conditioning and all that. But generally I don’t count on one year’s numbers to affect the injury year next.”

Others expected to be limited, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique), kicker Jake Moody (ankle), offensive lineman Jon Feliciano (knee), wide receiver John Jennings (hip) and punter Mitch Wishnowsky (back). Defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), whose practice window opened today, will also be limited.

Wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring), defensive tackle Kevin Givens (groin) and cornerback Charvarius district will not practice. Ward is in Dallas this week to attend the funeral of his daughter, Amani Joy.

Related news