NFL Week 10 has started, and San Francisco 49ers fans have yet to see their team play to last season’s form. Much of that is due to the absence of Christian McCaffrey being injured. But that is about to change as chances are likely that the running back will suit up for Sunday’s trip to Florida.
The last season’s Super Bowl finalists will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with McCaffrey still showing up as questionable in the latest injury report. But recent conversations from head coach Kyle Shanahan suggest his Offensive Player of the Year is likely to be eased into the game.
But it also marks the first time McCaffrey was seen on the practice field going through his progressions. After completing practice, reporters swarmed him in the locker room. One of the main questions was about his trip to Germany and how it helped him.
I keep all that stuff private. When you’re on IR and you’re hurt, you’ll do anything to come back. I’m feeling good now. That’s all that matters.
Christian McCaffrey on his trip to Germany
Another reporter asked him about his recovery and how it affected him being off the field for nine straight weeks.
It’s very tough being injured. 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.
Christian McCaffrey replied
The star running back did mention that his focus was more on recovery than resting those nine weeks. As otherwise, it would have been difficult to return. As a football player through and through, it was difficult sitting out.
Christian McCaffrey is grateful to 49ers staff
Sitting out is difficult for any athlete who has that passion for his or her game. Christian McCaffrey is one such star who wants to run free on a football field every week. He has gone through injury issues in the past. But he knows how his sitting on the sidelines this season has impacted his team.
That could take a toll on a committed and motivated player’s mental health. Throughout the nine weeks of recovery, 49ers fans often talked about missing his impact. He detailed to reporters how the franchise helped him work through it.
I can say this. from John to Kyle to Jed and the whole training staff, the way that they treated everything and the way that they went about it was amazing. Sometimes, you need people in your corner that can look after you, and maybe they know what’s best for you in times where maybe you try to suck it up or toss something out that might be risky. So, the way that they handled it, and the training staff, and the strength staff, really fortunate for them.
Christian McCaffrey said
During his time with the Carolina Panthers, analysts often blamed the star running back for his health issues. But with the way the San Francisco 49ers have handled it so far, those same fans and analysts have not levied those allegations on him. That’s probably why he has gratitude for the way they handled it.
