Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is set to make his season debut in 2024 after a lengthy recovery from Achilles tendonitis. His return could come as soon as this weekend against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and expectations are high among teammates, coaches and fans eager to see the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year back in action.
McCaffrey adds a dynamic element to the offense, contributing to both the run and pass games, forcing the defense to stay alert.
“Everything is going better with Christian (in the lineup),” offensive line coach and run game coordinator Chris Foerster told reporters Thursday. ‘I’m not going to joke. Of course, everything will be a little better with him.’
Defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen remembers having to prepare for McCaffrey before teaming up with the 49ers.
“He’s a tough matchup problem in the passing game,” Sorensen noted. “But he’s also just a great runner. He’s got great vision. He’s not someone you think is smaller, that’s not going to hit him inside. He’s got great vision. Obviously his ability to cut and running and breaking tackles, but he’s also very tough. The obvious thing is he can do so many different things in the passing game.”
In McCaffrey’s absence, younger backs love it Jordan Mason and newcomer Isaac Guerendo have stepped up and gained valuable experience, deepening the team’s running back rotation. Learning from McCaffrey has only benefited their development.
Foerster acknowledged that McCaffrey’s presence changes the 49ers’ game-planning options against opposing defenses. Still, the emergence of other contributors has helped compensate for his absence. The hope is that McCaffrey’s return will lead to an offense that has been inconsistent.
“It’s always good to have a great player back on the field working with you,” Foerster said. “And when he’s out there, he practices so hard, and everything is just right. That’s what you see. … He hits the hole right on time, perfect timing, perfect tempo of the game, catches a few balls across the field, and see things like that.”
Quarterback Brock Purdy is just as excited to have one of its best offensive weapons back.
“It was great,” Purdy said. “Exactly what he brings and really just sets everyone on fire, we all come out of the bye week feeling good and fresh. And then you get 23 next to you in the backfield, it was great. Looks great , moving around, and he’s going in the right direction, so we’re excited to see what happens.”
Purdy also noted that McCaffrey’s presence draws the opponent’s attention, which opens up options for other playmakers.
“But most importantly, we’ve got really good playmakers across the board, and we’re going to try to get the ball into the hands of all our guys at the right time and in the right situation,” Purdy added. “However, it’s always nice to know that I can get through my reading and come back to Christian.”
The 49ers have approached McCaffrey’s return cautiously, giving him time to fully recover and ensuring he is available for the crucial final stretch of the season.
“It’s a process of getting ready to play,” Foerster explained. “Obviously, decisions won’t be made until later in the week, but having him back, just being there and practicing, is really cool for the whole team. It gives everyone energy.”
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