SANTA CLARA — For most 49ers, they returned to practice Monday after a five-day hiatus relishing their Week 9 bye. For Christian McCaffrey, he reappeared for the first time in 53 days.
McCaffrey has recovered well enough from Achilles tendinitis in both legs to take the next step toward his season debut, which could come as soon as Sunday’s game at Tampa Bay.
Other comebacks at Monday’s “bonus” practice included wide receiver Jauan Jennings (hip) and kicker Jake Moody (ankle).
McCaffrey and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano had their Injured Reserve practice windows officially opened.
Not seen was cornerback Charvarius Ward, whose daughter, Amani Joi, passed away last Monday before her second birthday.
McCaffrey, last season’s NFL Offensive Player of the Year, has worked out behind closed doors and rehabilitated his Achilles while the 49ers got off to a 4-4 start, which has them a half-game out of the NFC West lead behind Arizona (5-4).
Without McCaffrey, the 49ers’ run game has produced the league’s fourth-most yards, behind eight-game starter Jordan Mason (685 yards; 5.1 yards per carry) and ascending rookie Isaac Guerendo (227 yards; 6.1 ypc). However, the lack of McCaffrey’s receiving ability and all-around presence have impacted an offense that has produced 19 touchdowns and 21 field goals.
