San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey practiced for the third time this week and, though he was listed as limited once again on Thursday, all signs are that he will finally make his return from Achilles tendinitis in the Week 10 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Quarterback Brock Purdy gave a glowing assessment of how McCaffrey has looked in practice and, speaking to KNBR on Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed the running back is on course to play for the first time this season.
"He's been awesome these last two days, so hopefully, that continues to go well, and expect to get him out there," said Shanahan.
"You never know for a setback or anything, but these two days have been great, and expect to see him out there."
While McCaffrey is primed to return for the stretch run, there is reason for increasing concern regarding another of their stars.
49ers injury report
Nick Bosa was limited for the second successive day with a hip issue. Pet Matt Barrows of The Athletic, Bosa was on the field for warm-ups but left when practice started.
The 49ers appear set to get defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos back from a knee injury after his practice window was opened on Wednesday, but the absence of 2022 Defensive Player of the Year Bosa would be a huge one for the 49ers, even against a quarterback in Baker Mayfield who has excelled against pressure this year.
Running back Jordan Mason and wide receiver Deebo Samuel each practiced in blue non-contract jerseys during Thursday's session, which is typically the most rigorous of the week.
A new addition to the injury report was rookie safety Malik Mustapha, listed as limited with a calf injury.
If Mustapha is unable to go, then it is likely one of Adrian Amos or Tashuan Gipson, the latter signed back to the 49er practice squad this week, will be elevated to the active roster for gameday.
Cornerback Charvarius Ward remains away from the team following the death of his one-year-old daughter Amani Joy, whose funeral is on Friday.
Ward is understandably very unlikely to play on Sunday, meaning rookie Renardo Green will almost certainly ascend to the role of full-time starting corner with Isaac Yiadom in line to return to the third cornerback spot he has recently ceded to the second-round pick.
