rewrite this title 49ers finally get the news they want on RB Christian McCaffrey

McCaffrey missed time in the summer with an Achilles issue that did not immediately seem to threaten his availability for the regular season. The 28-year-old was ultimately placed on IR, however, before taking a trip to Germany to see a specialist. A period of recovery was in place upon return before McCaffrey began a ramp-up phase in his rehab.

About a month ago, the three-time Pro Bowler resumed on-field work, and he has not encountered any setbacks since. On Monday, the 49ers opened McCaffrey’s activation window, requiring him to be moved to the active roster within three weeks in order to avoid reverting to season-ending IR. The intention was never for him to use the full 21-day practice window; the 49ers fully intended for him to play this weekend.

While San Francisco has surely missed its star rusher, the 49ers have been fully appreciative of Jordan Mason‘s breakout season. Mason has filled in admirably over nine weeks as the team’s lead back, currently ranking fourth in the NFL in rushing yards. Joined by rookie fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo out of Louisville, the team’s tandem has totaled 912 rushing yards for four touchdowns in eight games.

Despite the admirable performance of the backups, McCaffrey’s presence represents a major upgrade for the 49ers offense. As a second-time first-team All-Pro in his first full season with the 49ers last year, McCaffrey led the league in rushing yards (1,459), scrimmage yards (2,023), and total touchdowns (21). McCaffrey is one of the league’s best offensive weapons and will immediately improve an already top-10 offense.

Initial thoughts indicate that, coming back from a serious injury, McCaffrey may be on a snap count, but Rapoport speculates that San Francisco will have a difficult time taking McCaffrey off the field. Luckily, the veteran running back was a full participant at practice Friday, hinting that he may be full-go on Sunday, as well.

The 49ers have already waived running back Patrick Taylor, so all that remains to be done is for the team to officially activate McCaffrey from IR. Once they do so, the 49ers — currently third place in the NFC West — could very well be on their way back to the front of the division race.