San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is back, and the excitement around his return is building as the team gears up for their season opener against the New York Jets on Monday night. After missing most of the preseason with a calf and Achilles injury, McCaffrey is ready to hit the field and handle his usual workload. But will he be able to shake off the rust and perform at the high level he's known for? According to McCaffrey, there’s no doubt.
In fact, when McCaffrey was asked if he’d be ready to play against the Jets, his response was simple but confident: "No doubt." The confidence in his voice sent a strong message to fans and teammates alike—he's not just returning, he’s coming back to carry his full load. When asked if he’s expecting to take on his usual heavy workload, McCaffrey’s reply was equally determined, “I hope so.”
And this isn’t just wishful thinking. McCaffrey has been making strides in practice, having returned to the field last Tuesday. Although he was officially listed as “limited” due to his injury, he’s been moving around without any obvious restrictions. By Friday, he was feeling “much better” and ready to get back into game action. He even participated in Thursday and Friday’s practices, much to the relief of 49ers fans and coaches.
John Lynch, the 49ers’ general manager, echoed McCaffrey’s confidence. He told San Francisco’s KNBR radio station that McCaffrey is expected to be “ready to roll” on Monday night, barring any setbacks in the final practices. It’s clear that the team is counting on him to be a key piece in their offensive game plan, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can deliver the kind of performance that earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2023.
McCaffrey’s stats last season were nothing short of jaw-dropping. He rushed for 1,459 yards, added 564 receiving yards, and scored a total of 21 touchdowns. His versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him one of the most dangerous weapons in the NFL. Even his teammate, tight end George Kittle, believes McCaffrey could compete for the MVP this season. "He has an incredibly high standard for himself," Kittle said. "He takes this incredibly seriously … so, I believe that Christian is going to have another great year. I think he'll probably compete for the MVP."
But let’s not forget the challenges McCaffrey has had to overcome in recent weeks. On August 6, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that McCaffrey had strained his calf during practice. The injury sidelined him for the entire preseason, and it wasn’t until last Tuesday that McCaffrey was seen practicing again. The team took a cautious approach, ensuring McCaffrey had time to fully recover before returning to action. In the meantime, McCaffrey worked on the side, rehabbing and running to stay in shape.
When McCaffrey finally returned to practice, there was some concern after the team added an Achilles injury to his list of ailments. However, Shanahan clarified that the Achilles issue was related to the original calf strain and wasn’t something to worry about. McCaffrey downplayed any long-term concerns, stating that the Achilles injury is “not a concern.” In a mid-August interview, he even mentioned that had it been a regular-season or playoff game, he would have been ready to play.
The fact that McCaffrey has been moving around freely during practices and feels much better is a positive sign for the 49ers. Running game coordinator Chris Foerster commented on McCaffrey’s progress, stating, “He looks like Christian to me. You need to practice, so the guys who haven't practiced, I don't want to say there's rust, but there's always a little something that goes on just because they haven't been doing it every day. There's just that grind of every day, day after day. But he's looked good.”
While McCaffrey has been working his way back, the 49ers have also been preparing their backup plan just in case. Jordan Mason emerged as the primary running back during McCaffrey’s absence in training camp, showing that he’s ready to step in if needed. The 49ers also have rookie Isaac Guerendo and veteran Patrick Taylor Jr. on their roster. However, Guerendo has been dealing with a groin injury, which could limit his availability. The good news for the 49ers is that McCaffrey’s progress suggests they may not need to rely on their depth at running back as much as they initially feared.
McCaffrey’s mindset heading into Monday’s game is laser-focused on taking things one play at a time. When asked about his approach, McCaffrey said, "It's just taking it one play at a time. I don't like to look at what's ahead. Each play has a life of its own. Just do what you have to do on each play, take care of the things that you can control and then go from there."
It’s this level of focus and determination that has defined McCaffrey’s career. Known for his relentless work ethic and high standards, McCaffrey has always been a player who takes preparation seriously. His ability to bounce back from injuries and still perform at an elite level speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. And with his eyes set on making an impact this season, don’t be surprised if he picks up right where he left off.
One thing is certain—if McCaffrey can stay healthy, the 49ers’ offense will be a force to be reckoned with. His ability to both run the ball and catch passes out of the backfield makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. The Jets will have their hands full trying to contain him on Monday night.
So, what can fans expect from McCaffrey when the 49ers take the field? All signs point to him being ready to carry his usual load and make an immediate impact. His return is not just important for the 49ers, but also a key storyline to watch as the NFL season kicks off. Whether or not he’s at 100%, McCaffrey’s presence alone is enough to shift the balance in the 49ers’ favor.
With the 2024 season about to begin, all eyes will be on McCaffrey and the 49ers as they look to make a statement in their opener. Will McCaffrey’s return help propel them to an early victory, or will the lingering effects of his injuries slow him down? If McCaffrey has anything to say about it, the answer is clear—he’s ready to roll.
Login