On Monday, the San Francisco 49ers opened the practice window for running back Christian McCaffrey, with the possibility that he could be activated off injured reserve ahead of Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.
McCaffrey, sidelined this season with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, has been missed by an offense struggling to maintain consistency without its versatile star. The running back has been on injured reserve since September 14.
ESPN's Adam Schefter discussed McCaffrey's return during his weekly appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, noting that what he hasn't heard might be more telling than what he has.
"I would say it's what I haven't heard," Schefter said when asked about McCaffrey's status. "I haven't heard a single setback. I haven't heard that there's been any issues. I haven't heard that there's any complications.
"So as long as there is no red flags, and that continues on, then I would think that he's going to play on Sunday against the Buccaneers, as long as there's no setbacks."
While Schefter's optimism regarding McCaffrey's return remains cautious, he emphasized the encouraging lack of negative updates coming out of Santa Clara. However, McCaffrey's return still hinges on his upcoming progress this week.
"Again, I haven't heard anything to make me think that he won't be back, but there's still six days until Sunday," Schefter added.
"I haven't heard that there's been any issues for Christian McCaffrey..
As long as there are no setbacks I think that he'll be playing on Sunday against the Buccaneers"@AdamSchefter #PMSLive #FTTB pic.twitter.com/mQtftJBAV4
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 4, 2024
