All eyes are on 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey as he returned to practice this week following Achilles injuries in both legs since August.
After Wednesday’s team practice, signs point toward his first appearance of the season on Sunday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed McCaffrey felt “no pain” during practice.
The 2023 Offensive Player of the Year is now poised to make his regular-season debut for the 2024 season.
Should the 49ers bring McCaffrey back for Sunday’s game against the Buccaneers or play it safe and hold him until Week 11?
49ers Open Practice Window for Key Offensive Lineman
The 49ers may soon see a return from OL Jon Feliciano, as they opened his practice window on November 4. The veteran guard, who missed the season’s first half, started 10 games last year, including all three playoff games, but has been out with a knee injury since August.
While Feliciano has three weeks to be activated, he may not reclaim a starting role. Rookie guard Dominick Puni has excelled at right guard, likely keeping him in the starting lineup for now.
Week 8: 49ers Secure Fourth Straight Win Over Cowboys
In a thrilling matchup, the 49ers pulled off a 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. A rocky first half ended with Dallas leading 10-6, but San Francisco came alive in the third quarter, scoring 21 points with touchdowns from RB Isaac Guerendo, TE George Kittle, and QB Brock Purdy, building a 27-10 lead.
The Cowboys mounted a comeback, with WR CeeDee Lamb scoring twice in the fourth quarter. Dallas had a chance to win in the closing minutes, but the 49ers defense held firm with a four-and-out to clinch the win.
Shanahan Talks Pearsall’s Development
Following increased reps due to WR Brandon Aiyuk’s injury, 49ers WR Ricky Pearsall took on a larger role in Week 8. The former Florida Gator caught all four of his targets for 38 yards and ran for 39 yards on a rushing attempt.
After the game, Shanahan shared his enthusiasm for Pearsall’s growth, saying, “You could see it in practice every day with Ricky. He’s limited in some areas, but he picks things up fast. His stamina is improving, and he has a natural feel for the game. It’s just a matter of getting comfortable within our offense, and he’s getting better each week.”
