49ers’ Christian McCaffrey Returns to Practice Ahead of Week 1

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Tuesday nearly a month after sustaining a calf strain, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

McCaffrey was unable to participate in the majority of training camp and did not play in the preseason. McCaffrey was expected to be ready in time for the season opener, but his return to practice adds confidence to that timeline.

The 28-year-old is coming off one of the best seasons of his career after leading the NFL in rushing yards and finishing as the Offensive Player of the Year. During the 2023 season, McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also caught 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns, accumulating over 2,000 yards total from scrimmage.

McCaffrey now has put up over 2,000 yards from scrimmage twice in his career. A three-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler, McCaffrey is one of the best offensive weapons across the entire NFL and helped the 49ers finish top-five in total yards, passing yards, receiving yards, and points per game. Since arriving to the 49ers ahead of the trade deadline in 2022, McCaffrey has driven the Kyle Shanahan rushing attack and 49ers offense.

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The 49ers have gotten a string of good news over the last week, including the returns of Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk.

Following a long contract debacle that lasted through the majority of the offseason, the 49ers signed Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million deal last week. Aiyuk has become the 49ers’ No. 1 receiver, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. After holding-in through training camp and the preseason, Aiyuk practiced again Tuesday.

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Tuesday also marked the resolution of the 49ers’ contract dispute with Williams, who is widely considered the best left tackle in the NFL. Williams held out of 49ers training camp seeking a restructured contract, and Wagoner reported Tuesday that the 49ers were finalizing a new deal with the 11-time Pro Bowler.

Returning these stars in time for Week 1 of the regular season is critical for the 49ers to have a shot at winning the Super Bowl. The 49ers have made three straight NFC Championship Games, and advanced to the Super Bowl last February when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 49ers are trying to capitalize on their current Super Bowl window, which these players allow them to do.

The 49ers open the season in six days against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football.