The 49ers star running back could potentially be back sooner than you think.

At long last, San Francisco 49ers fans know when they see the season debut of running back Christian McCaffrey, and it is much sooner than you think.

McCaffrey is expected to return on the field this Sunday as the 49ers take a trip to Florida to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan appeared on KNBR on Thursday and broke the news via David Bonilla of 49erswebzone.com.

“I do feel good one way or another,” Shanahan said. “It’s been two good days. I’m just kind of messing around, but he’s been awesome these last two days, so hopefully, that continues to go well and expect to get him out there.”

McCaffrey made his debut on the practice field this week, and it seems like all signs are pointing towards a return this weekend, but anything could still happen between now and then. The 49ers have until Saturday night to take their running back off the injured reserve list so that he can play on Sunday.

The wait is over: 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said he expects Christian McCaffrey make his season debut Sunday vs. the Buccaneers. pic.twitter.com/69BcNRmWrk

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 8, 2024

McCaffrey has missed the 2024 regular season so far due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

The 49ers’ star running back’s absence has left a gaping hole in their offense. A lot has happened since it was announced that he would not be ready to go at the end of the season. The once Super Bowl hopefuls have been plagued by injuries all season long.

Deebo Samuel has been on and off the field for the last month. Brandon Aiyuk has an ACL and MCL tear and tight end. George Kittle has had a few bumps on the road in the last few weeks.

It’s going to be nice to see the 49ers team, which we have grown to admire in the last few years, somewhat back together with McCaffrey’s potential return. They’re one of the few stacked teams many believe can take hold of the NFC, but the list of injuries that have mounted up in the first half of the season has thrown a wrench through some of their goals for 2024.

The 49ers are now 4-4 and at a crossroads. They’re third in the NFC West, behind the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams. With the band getting back together a bit, it’s going to be interesting to see how this all comes together for Coach Shanahan’s gang down the stretch.