San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to be activated off injured reserve on Saturday, making him available for his 2024 season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.
"We'll take him off IR tomorrow, and then he'll be good to go unless something crazy happens on this plane ride," Shanahan said. "He should be good to go tomorrow once he gets off IR."
After Friday's practice, McCaffrey spoke with reporters but declined to get into specifics about his recovery or his trip to Germany. When asked about his rehabilitation from Achilles tendinitis, he opted not to discuss the details.
"I keep all that stuff private," McCaffrey said. "When you're on IR and you're hurt, you'll do anything to come back. I'm feeling good now. That's all that matters."
McCaffrey emphasized that much more went into his recovery than just rest and time off, crediting the 49ers' training and medical staff for their dedication.
"It's very tough being injured," McCaffrey said. "It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now, ready to go."
Acknowledging that football consumes about 90% of his life, McCaffrey admitted how challenging it has been to sit out and expressed his eagerness to return to the field. The decision to place him on injured reserve was especially difficult on the running back.
"I can say this: from [GM] John [Lynch] to Kyle to [owner] Jed [York] and the whole training staff, the way that they treated everything and the way that they went about it was amazing," McCaffrey said. "Sometimes, you need people in your corner that can look after you, and maybe they know what's best for you in times where maybe you try to suck it up or toss something out that might be risky.
"So the way that they handled it, and the training staff, and the strength staff, really fortunate for them."
McCaffrey also noted that recent injuries have forced him to adjust his pre-game routine, making his training process more fluid than in past seasons.
"I'm figuring it out every day," McCaffrey said. "But all I know is I've got a good routine right now, and I feel good, and that's all that matters. ... I feel good now. I wouldn't be out here if it was still bothering me. I feel great."
Renardo Green in the spotlight
Rookie cornerback Renardo Green is set to make his first NFL start. The team is a bit shorthanded at cornerback with Charvarius Ward in Texas for the funeral of his daughter, who tragically passed away last week. The 49ers are allowing Ward as much time as he needs to mourn the loss.
The team is confident in Green, who has impressed in his limited snaps. The first-year player boasts a solid 79.6 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus, ranking second among rookie cornerbacks and third among rookie defensive backs.
Green's standout performance came in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys, where he earned a game-high 91.4 coverage grade—the best coverage grade by a 49ers defender since Week 4, when linebacker Fred Warner recorded a 94.0 mark. It also marked the best coverage grade by a 49ers defensive back this season.
The 49ers are eager to see how Green performs with a larger workload, and he's expected to get that opportunity on Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Nick Bosa questionable
Defensive end Nick Bosa has been a limited participant in practice this week due to a hip injury. Shanahan was asked if he was concerned about Bosa's availability for Sunday's game.
"I am, to a degree," Shanahan responded. "He wasn't able to do a lot. He definitely was extremely limited. Hoping he'll be all right, but we'll see on Sunday."
Shanahan revealed that Bosa likely sustained the injury early during Wednesday's practice after a collision with a teammate.
"Just banged into somebody, got a little hip pointer," Shanahan said. "It's just bothered him."
Bosa is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game.
Jake Moody's quick recovery a surprise
Shanahan admitted he initially expected kicker Jake Moody to be placed on injured reserve and miss significant time after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 5. Moody is expected to play against the Buccaneers.
"I have a lot of experience with high-ankle sprains, and they're one of the most aggravating, annoying injuries that a player can get," Shanahan shared. "I didn't have any experience with the kicker getting it, especially on his kicking foot, so I just assumed that would be IR and stuff, especially on his kicking foot. But I was kind of surprised. He said it would be worse on his plant foot. Just me not understanding truly how to kick."
Shanahan was surprised at Moody's quick recovery and noted that the kicker has looked strong in practice this week.
"So I was surprised he came back by now," Shanahan added. "But he's looked great this week, and it's been awesome to have him back, and should be good to go here on Sunday."
