Christian McCaffrey gets honest on his injury ahead of season debut

Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

The San Francisco 49ers are finally getting Christian McCaffrey back from the injured list. The process to get back on the field, however, was not at all smooth for the All-Pro running back.

The 49ers finally announced Thursday that McCaffrey is expected to play in the team’s Week 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla. McCaffrey suffered what initially appeared to be an innocent calf injury during training camp in August. But McCaffrey was later diagnosed with an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the 2024 campaign.

The three-time Pro Bowler has missed the team’s first eight games. The Niners have gone a mediocre 4-4 without arguably their most dynamic offensive weapon.

On Friday, McCaffrey spoke to reporters about his long journey back from injury. The 49ers star admitted that things just “went wrong” from a recovery standpoint. But McCaffrey assured reported that all the issues are behind him.

“The last eight weeks were extremely unfortunate. … It’s very tough being injured,” said McCaffrey, via David Bonilla of 49ers Web Zone. “It’s tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it’s just not how you planned it. It wasn’t expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I’m feeling great now, ready to go.”

The 49ers have yet to string together back-to-back wins this season. But despite San Francisco’s middling performance, the team is just half a game back of the division lead.

McCaffrey led the entire NFL in total yards last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage.