NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey Expected Back Today

The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year will finally make his 2024 regular season debut today. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey will play for the first time this season when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this afternoon.

49ers RB Christian McCaffrey, listed as questionable due to his Achilles injury, will make his 2024 season debut Sunday vs. Tampa. The team believes McCaffrey could have played last week.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel, listed as questionable for Sunday due to rib and oblique injury, is…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 10, 2024

McCaffrey has missed eight straight games with Achilles tendonitis after being a surprise inactive in Week 1. The 49ers have accrued a 4-4 record over that span and currently find themselves a game behind the 5-4 Arizona Cardinals in the NFC West.

The 49ers have run the ball exceptionally well in McCaffrey's absence. Their 159 rushing yards per game are fourth best in the league, and their 5.1 yards per attempt are third. The 49ers offense has also averaged a respectable 26.3 points per game, seventh best in the league.

That being said, the 49ers could use McCaffrey's singular ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings have all missed time this season, and Aiyuk is out for the year following an ACL tear in Week 7. The 49ers need pass catchers, and McCaffrey's 47.5 receiving yards per game and 6.9 yards per target over his career are irreplaceable at the running back position.

McCaffrey should have an opportunity to make an immediate and significant impact against the Bucs today. Their defense has allowed a miserable 4.9 yards per rushing attempt this season, and they're also 30th overall in total yards allowed per game. If the 49ers believe McCaffrey is fully healthy, he could be in line for a big day.