49ers get massive boost as Christian McCaffrey finally returns to practice image
The San Francisco 49ers received a welcome sight Sunday when star running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice, providing another encouraging development for an offense getting healthier as the regular season approaches.
McCaffrey practiced for the first time since earlier this month after the 49ers had held him out because of what the team described as tightness. San Francisco had remained cautious with its All-Pro running back, with coach Kyle Shanahan previously indicating McCaffrey likely would have practiced had it been a regular-season game week.
On Sunday, McCaffrey participated in individual work before getting involved in team drills, including taking several carries.
The return comes at an important time for San Francisco. Tight end George Kittle also returned to practice Sunday after the 49ers activated him from the physically unable to perform list as he continues his recovery from a torn right Achilles.
Having two of San Francisco’s biggest offensive weapons back on the field provided a noticeable lift as the 49ers move through the final stages of training camp.
McCaffrey, however, made it clear his absence wasn’t something he viewed as a major concern.
“Obviously when you don’t practice, the way the media works now it’s a firestorm,” McCaffrey said. “But this was kind of part of the plan from the jump was to ramp up pretty big, get nine, 10 practices in, kind of come back down and then ramp back up so we’re fresh for the duration.”
49ers just got their biggest weapon back
The 49ers have plenty of incentive to protect McCaffrey after his heavy workload last season. He bounced back from an injury-plagued 2024 campaign to rush for 1,202 yards while adding 102 receptions for 924 yards and scoring 17 total touchdowns in 2025.
Now the focus is on getting him ready for games that count rather than pushing him unnecessarily during the preseason.
“Our staff’s done a great job of coming up with specific plans,” McCaffrey said. “And again, I feel great. I feel fresh, and it’s good to be back out there.”
For the 49ers, seeing McCaffrey and Kittle together again might have been Sunday’s most important result.
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