The San Francisco 49ers have officially opened star running back Christian McCaffrey‘s 21-day practice window, a crucial step in his eventual return to play and removal from the injured list.
McCaffrey has yet to play this season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis which forced the club to place him on injured reserve on September 14.
The 21-day training window allows players on the injured list to practice without being counted on the active 53-man roster.
Once the window is activated, teams have 21 days to reinstate players or place them on the injured list for the remainder of the season.
The 49ers hope McCaffrey will make his debut this Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a pivotal Week 10 game.
Last season, McCaffrey racked up 2,023 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
