49ers Rumors: Christian McCaffrey Practices Amid Injury Rehab; Could Play vs. Bucs

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey made his return to practice on Monday, with Nick Wagoner of ESPN posting video of the star in action.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported San Francisco is hopeful he can be on the field for its matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

McCaffrey missed the Niners' Week 1 win over the New York Jets due to calf tightness and bilateral Achilles tendinitis and was placed on the injured reserve shortly after in Week 2. By placing him on the IR, San Francisco committed to him missing at least four games, but even after four games had passed the 49ers had not yet activated him.

In late September, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman) reported McCaffrey went to Germany to receive treatment for his injuries and was planning to return by early November.

Ahead of the Niners' Week 9 bye, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reported "McCaffrey is going to 'hit it hard' this week with some simulated practice workouts this week while the team is on bye. They're aiming to get him back to practice next week if all goes well, per Kyle Shanahan."

The same day, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported McCaffrey was "poised" to be back for Week 10.

In McCaffrey's absence, the 49ers have looked to Jordan Mason in the backfield and he has been solid with 685 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 134 carries. As good as Mason has been, San Francisco is eagerly awaiting McCaffrey's return.