San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey is reportedly expected to return to practice on Tuesday (September 3) after missing the majority of training camp due to a strained calf, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"More good 49ers news: Pro-Bowl RB Christian McCaffrey, who missed most of training camp with a strained calf, is expected to return to practice today, per source," Schefter wrote on his X account.
McCaffrey, 28, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, signed to a two-year extension in June, making him the highest-paid player at his position and keeping him on the Niners' roster through the 2027 NFL season.
"Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey once again has reset the RB market, signing a two-year extension with the 49ers, averaging $19 million per year, per sources. McCaffrey will receive an additional $8 million over what he was scheduled to make in the first two years while adding $24 million in guarantees. The deal was negotiated and confirmed by WME Football," Schefter reported at the time.
McCaffrey was acquired by the 49ers in a blockbuster trade with the Carolina Panthers midway through the 2022 NFL season and has since recorded 2,711 rushing yards, 1,241 receiving yards and 39 total touchdowns in 22 games. The former Stanford standout recorded an NFL-best 1,459 rushing yards on 272 carries, 67 receptions for 564 yards and 21 total touchdowns (14 rushing, seven receiving) during the 2023 season, which resulted in a Super Bowl LVIII overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in February.