Things are starting to fall into place for the San Francisco 49ers.
Brandon Aiyuk and Trent Williams have both had their contract situations resolved, and now another superstar is returning to practice.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Tuesday morning that running back Christian McCaffrey would suit up to participate in the 49ers’ bonus practice Tuesday. It marks McCaffrey’s first time on the field for San Francisco since suffering a calf strain in early August. He missed most of training camp and the entire preseason.
All signs pointed toward his absence being precautionary since the 49ers don’t necessarily need to see McCaffrey practice to know what he provides.
His return is still a good sign that his rehab went well. The next step will be ensuring there aren’t lingering issues from that initial strain. That’s what the 49ers were hoping to avoid when they had him sit out nearly a month. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him eased back into work Tuesday with the team’s real Week 1 preparations beginning Thursday.
McCaffrey is the reigning Offensive Player of the Year and a key piece of any potential postseason run for San Francisco. He’ll rejoin practice along with Aiyuk, who agreed to a contract extension after missing all of training camp. Williams could return to practice Tuesday, although the team may not want to push him into a practice the day he reports to the facility.
After a season of tumult with the McCaffrey injury and the two big contract disputes, things are finally lining up for San Francisco with less than a week until their Monday Night Football opener vs. the New York Jets.
