THE San Francisco 49ers have had a major injury boost over the fitness of superstar Christian McCaffrey.
The running back is the best in his position in the league, having led in yards and touchdowns over the past few seasons.
However, he has not played a snap in the 2024-25 NFL season due to an Achilles tendinitis injury, understood to be in both legs.
He has been on injured reserve since the start of the campaign, with no timetable over his return.
But McCaffrey has been spotted back in 49ers practice, running freely while wearing a helmet.
And the NFC West side officially opened the the 21 day practice window for their star man on Monday.
He now has three weeks to prove he is ready to be activated from injured reserve to their 53 man roster.
McCaffrey was spotted warming up with teammates in a two minute viewing window for the media on Monday afternoon.
"It was great seeing him," left tackle Trent Williams said.
"It's such an amazing feeling to see that 2-3 out there doing his extensive warmup and a million high knees he does before practice."
It is understood the 49ers are optimistic McCaffrey may be able to return this week.
They hope to have him available for a limited number of snaps for their game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
Kyle Shanahan's team take on their rivals at the Raymond James Stadium on Sunday at 1pm Eastern.
The 49ers had been on a bye last week, meaning they had no game.
They have had a mixed start to the campaign, going 4-4 on the year.
But they went into their mini break following a 30-24 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
And the return of McCaffrey could be the boost needed to secure their playoff spot.
Head coach Shanahan suggested the 28-year-old would be back this week.
However, that was on the notion he simulated practice behind closed doors with no setbacks.
"As long as it all goes good, hopefully we'll get him back in practice next week," he said on 28 October.
McCaffrey was put on injured reserve on 14 September with the tendinitis and a calf problem.
He had to fly to Germany to see a specialist, with backup running back Jordan Mason taking his spot.
McCaffrey scored 21 touchdowns in 2023 and was the Offensive Player of the Year.