TAMPA, Fla. — Christian McCaffrey indeed will make his season debut today, two months after he was a game-time scratch in the 49ers’ opener because of Achilles issues that sidelined him through their 4-4 start.
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique) and defensive end Nick Bosa (hip) also will suit up after being listed as questionable and limited in practice.
Returning to action is not only wide receiver Jauan Jennings (two-game, hip-related absence) but safety Tashaun Gipson Sr., the latter of whom re-signed last week and served as a 49ers’ starter the previous two seasons.
Rookie safety Malik Mustapha (calf) was limited in practice and considered questionable.
Already ruled out before Sunday were cornerback Charvarius Ward (personal leave), wide receiver Chris Conley (hamstring), defensive tackle Kevin Givens (groin), defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos and offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, the latter two of whom entered their injured-reserve activation window last week as they come back from knee surgeries.
MORE ON McCAFFREY
McCaffrey was officially activated Saturday off the injured reserve list and is expected to re-enter the starting lineup. When he first debuted as a 49ers’ starter, he produced touchdowns via rushing, receiving and passing in an October 2022 road win over the Los Angeles Rams.
McCaffrey produced big numbers in the 49ers’ wins over the Bucs in each of the previous two seasons. He ran for 119 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries then added two catches for 34 yards and a touchdown in the December 2022 win (35-7); he ran for 78 yards (21 carries) and had five catches (25 yards, touchdown) in last November’s 27-14 victory.
HOT-WEATHER CONCERNS
Game-time temperature is forecast at 86 degrees, and it could feel closer to 90 degrees when factoring in the 52% humidity and sunny conditions in the 49ers’ first Tampa visit since 2019. The 49ers won that season opener 31-17 in even hotter conditions (93 degrees, 52% humidity).
A month ago, the 49ers wilted in a 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in what was the hottest game ever at Levi’s Stadium (89 degrees at kickoff). The 49ers’ first loss this season came inside Minnesota’s U.S. Bank Stadium, which kept its glass doors ajar as the 49ers fell 23-17 in surprisingly steamy conditions (82 degrees, 62% humidity).
