Christian McCaffrey returned to San Francisco’s practice field Sunday and took part in team drills for the first time since Aug. 8, giving the 49ers another encouraging development as tight end George Kittle was activated from the physically unable to perform list.
Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers team drills after planned break
SEO Title: Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice after planned absence
SEO Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey says his two-week practice break was designed to keep him fresh for the 2026 season.
McCaffrey had been sidelined by what the team described as tightness for roughly two weeks, prompting outside questions about whether he was dealing with a more serious injury or a contract issue. The running back said neither concern was the reason for his absence, explaining that the reduced workload had been mapped out as part of his offseason preparation.
He said the plan was to build up through nine or 10 practices, scale back his work and then increase it again before the season. McCaffrey said the 49ers’ performance staff had put together an individualized approach and that he felt healthy and refreshed upon returning.
“When you miss practice, it can quickly become a major story,” McCaffrey said. “But this was in the plan from the beginning. We built up early, backed off and will build back up so that we can stay fresh over the full season.”
The 49ers did not initially frame McCaffrey’s time away as a scheduled workload-management period, allowing speculation to build during his absence. McCaffrey said he can need restraint because of his desire to take every available rep and remain on the field.
“I love competing and I always want to run and play,” he said. “But there are people around me who understand what I have gone through and what this team is trying to accomplish. The priority is being ready for all 17 Sundays, and hopefully for additional weeks after that.”
The cautious approach follows an injury-hit 2024 campaign in which McCaffrey appeared in only four games. He also carried a massive workload last season, handling the ball 413 times, including a career-high 311 rushing attempts. With the 49ers preparing for the 2026 season, keeping their centerpiece running back available for the long haul remains a central concern.
