McCaffrey Returns to Practice as 49ers Weigh Receiver Injuries

The 49ers received a boost on November 5 when Christian McCaffrey practiced for the first time since a hamstring injury before the team’s bye. He had missed Wednesday’s session, but coach Kyle Shanahan had anticipated he might return in a limited role the next day. His participation points toward a possible appearance against the Raiders on Sunday, though it does not confirm he will play.

Nick Bosa is also making progress after a calf strain. He participated in individual workouts on November 4, his first such session since the injury, which occurred before Week 3.

The situation is less encouraging for receivers Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel, who missed their second consecutive practice since the bye. Samuel is working back from a serious hamstring injury sustained against Seattle in Week 5. Evans, who has played with broken ribs, missed the team’s previous game because of Achilles tendinitis.

General manager John Lynch said Evans was likely to miss Sunday’s game. The team is trying to prevent the tendon problem from becoming long-lasting, drawing caution from Christian McCaffrey’s experience with a similar issue in 2024, while recognizing players’ situations differ.

In the secondary, Upton Stout appears on track to return at nickelback after missing last week’s loss to Atlanta with a shoulder injury. Nate Hobbs, who started the season on injured reserve, practiced Wednesday for the first time and could make his season debut. He may take the place of Jack Jones, released to make room on the roster for DeForest Buckner.