49ers Risk Losing Christian McCaffrey If Not Activated by Saturday

Christian McCaffrey, the NFL's reigning Offensive Player of the Year, returned to practice this week, emerging without pain in his Achilles tendons after a light session. Despite his progress, he remains on injured reserve and must be activated by Saturday to play against the Buccaneers. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan noted that McCaffrey's conditioning will determine his workload, emphasizing the importance of monitoring his health during practice. While he's a crucial player for the 49ers, they want to ensure other team members continue to develop alongside him. In the previous season, McCaffrey had a remarkable performance, playing 100% of the offensive snaps in three games, which is rare for a modern running back. He made a significant impact by scoring at least one touchdown in each of the team's first eight games.Jordan Mason, McCaffrey's backup, has shown impressive statistics this year, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, yet he has only three touchdowns so far. This highlights the exceptional role McCaffrey plays in the team's offense and the reliance the 49ers have on him, particularly during crucial matchups. The 49ers are averaging more yards per game compared to last season, showcasing their offensive growth. However, Shanahan is cautious about overburdening McCaffrey due to past injuries, including his Achilles issue, and wants to see consistent performance before giving him his usual extensive workload. With the Buccaneers defense allowing a significant number of rushing yards, the decision to activate McCaffrey could greatly influence the 49ers' chances in the upcoming game. However, Shanahan aims to balance goals for team improvement without risking McCaffrey's health in the process.