McCaffrey feeling 'ready to go' ahead of season debut

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey says he feels "ready to go" ahead of his expected season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

"The last eight weeks were extremely unfortunate," McCaffrey said, according to Nick Wagoner of ESPN. "For me, it's very tough being injured. It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now. Ready to go."

McCaffrey has been sidelined due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. He was a surprise inactive for Week 1 before landing on injured reserve ahead of the team's Week 2 game. During that time, the reigning Offensive Player of the Year reportedly travelled to Germany for treatment.

The 28-year-old didn't confirm the Germany trip but added: "When you're on IR and you're hurt, you'll do anything to come back."

He continued: "So, I'm feeling good now. That's all that matters."

The 49ers are expected to activate McCaffrey off IR on Saturday. San Francisco is aiming to improve its 4-4 mark and keep pace in the NFC West, which is led by the 5-4 Arizona Cardinals.

McCaffrey last played in last season's Super Bowl. He led the NFL in 2023 in yards from scrimmage (2,023) and total touchdowns (21).