49ers’ Christian McCaffrey reflects on ‘extremely unfortunate’ Achilles injury | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey on Friday addressed the Achilles tendon issue that forced him to miss the first eight games of the 2024 season.

“The last eight weeks have been extremely unfortunate,” McCaffrey said, according to ESPN Nick Wagoner. “For me it’s very tough to be injured. It’s physically, mentally and emotionally tough, especially when it’s just not the way you planned it. It wasn’t expected. Some things just went wrong, but I feel great now .Ready to go.”

The All-Pro running back dealt with bilateral Achilles tendonitis that caused him to be sidelined injured reservebut he is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that McCaffrey will be taken off IR on Saturday.

“We’ll get him off IR tomorrow and he’ll be good to go,” Shanahan said, via Wagoner. “Unless something crazy happens on this plane ride, he should be able to leave tomorrow as soon as he gets off IR.”

McCaffrey was one limited participant in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, but was upgraded to full on Friday. He is listed as questionable on San Francisco’s injury report, though it is clear the team is preparing for his return to the field.

The 28-year-old is coming off an impressive 2023 campaign, earning the third Pro Bowl nod of his career and winning Offensive Player of the Year honor. He rushed for 1,459 yards, along with 14 touchdowns on the ground.

McCaffrey also impressed as a receiver, with 67 receptions for 564 yards and another seven scores.

The 49ers were able to mitigate his absence with strong performances from Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo. Mason has amassed 685 yards in eight appearances, while Guerendo is averaging 6.1 yards per carry as a depth option.

Still, McCaffrey’s ability to remain effective as an option in the passing game is one of the main reasons he has been the focal point of Shanahan’s offense. Without him, the 49ers are ranked No. 3 in the NFC West with a 4-4 record.

He should be able to make an immediate impact against a Buccaneers team that owns the NFL fifth worst scoring defense while allowing 130.8 rushing yards per game.

Kickoff on Sunday is at 1:00 PM ET.