One of the NFL’s most dynamic offensive talents could finally be back on the field soon.

Although he was initially expected to start the 2024 season on a healthy note, 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play a single game. He’s dealing with nagging calf and Achilles injuries that have now kept him out of action for more than half of San Francisco’s games.

However, the NFL’s best rusher in 2023 could be back in action in Week 10.

As McCaffrey continues to recover from his lower leg injuries, will he be ready for San Francisco’s game against the Buccaneers this week? Here are the latest updates on the running back’s status, a look at the 49ers’ running back depth chart and McCaffrey’s fantasy outlook.

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Is Christian McCaffrey playing this week?

At the moment, McCaffrey is listed as questionable for Week 10, but 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that he is “ready to go” for Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay, which would be the star running back debuts in 2024.

Assuming McCaffrey feels healthy by Sunday’s game, San Francisco’s offense will receive a huge boost as the team looks to make a shot at the NFC West crown after a 4-4 start . According to the 49ers injury reportMcCaffrey was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, but was a full participant Friday.

Here’s a look at McCaffrey practicing Friday:

Things are looking good for the 49ers: Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa and Jordan Mason are all moving well in practice pic.twitter.com/TuSyc5alM4

– David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) November 8, 2024

Barring a last-minute setback, the 28-year-old star will be back in action against Tampa Bay this week.

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49ers RB Depth Chart

When fully healthy, there is no doubt who is San Francisco’s RB1. McCaffrey has 1,459 rushing yards and 14 rushing scores in 2023 and helped the 49ers reach the Super Bowl, and whenever he’s available, he’s one of the most talented weapons in the league.

However, Mason has done a great job filling in for McCaffrey in eight games this season. With the star sidelined, Mason became the starter, totaling 685 rushing yards on 134 carries (5.1 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.

As usual, when a star player returns from a long-term injury, there’s a chance McCaffrey faces a snap count Sunday against Tampa Bay. In this case, Mason would continue to play a larger role for the 49ers. If he’s available, McCaffrey will surely start and he’ll play most of the snaps whenever he’s healthy, but Mason could also earn snaps during the rest of the regular season after his stellar performance.

As for Guerendo and Taylor Jr., both will likely see their roles reduced as depth options with McCaffrey back in action.

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Fantasy insights from Christian McCaffrey

If he’s fully healthy and without any limitations on Sunday, McCaffrey immediately returns to surefire RB1 status in Fantasy.

Last season, there was perhaps no better fantasy option than McCaffrey. He was a dominant runner for San Francisco and offered everything you could want in a fantasy running back: a high level of snaps and touches in one of the league’s best offenses, pass-catching ability for PPR formats and many red zones. opportunities to score touchdowns.

While there are indications that McCaffrey would play limited snaps against the Buccaneers in Week 10, he would likely still be an RB2 in Fantasy, but it’s worth starting. McCaffrey’s talent, especially when paired with the 49ers offense, offers too much potential for a massive performance to even consider putting him in a fantasy game.