Kyle Shanahan Says Christian McCaffrey Should Play Against Bucs

November 8th, 2024

Hurdling to season debut.

This has been rumored for a few weeks, but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan pretty much confirmed yesterday that star running back Christian McCaffrey should be on the field of The Licht House Sunday when the Bucs host the 49ers.

McCaffrey hasn’t taken a snap yet this year because he has been dealing with Achilles/calf issues. But Shanahan told KNBR-AM 680 in San Francisco yesterday that McCaffrey has had no setbacks and he should be able to handle a full load against the Bucs.

“He’s been awesome these last two days,” Shanahan said. “Hopefully that continues to go well. I expect to get him out there.”

That’s all the Bucs need is for one of the best running backs in the game to be fresh when he hits the turf Sunday.

A reader of Joe’s mused on Twitter yesterday that the Bucs always seemed to do well against McCaffrey when he was with Carolina.

Joe sort of agreed but also pointed out that playing running back for Riverboat Ron Rivera and Matt Rhule is a bit different than playing running back for Shanahan.

Last year McCaffrey had 105 yards from scrimmage against the Bucs with a touchdown catch. In 2022, McCaffrey had 119 yards rushing and 34 yards receiving with a touchdown catch.

So yeah, this isn’t great news for the Bucs.

16 Responses to “Kyle Shanahan Says Christian McCaffrey Should Play Against Bucs”

  1. NY_Buc Says:

    Joe will we get 10 articles on going for 2 tonight also did not work like you did last week against the Bucs decision not to go for 2?

  2. NY_Buc Says:

    Maybe a few articles that the Bengals should fire their coach? Two different approaches same result. Or are you just attacking the team you supposedly support?

  3. Derek Says:

    Bengals went for 2 Joe

  4. Joe Says:

    Joe will we get 10 articles on going for 2 tonight also did not work like you did last week against the Bucs decision not to go for 2?

    No, because Joe doesn’t cover the Bengals. Joe does have at least another coming about the non-two-point conversion Monday night with the Bucs.

    Sorry if you don’t agree that was a colossal play not just for the game, but perhaps for the season.

    Joe isn’t one to bury his head or look away or turn the page. That is irresponsible.

  5. Joe Says:

    Maybe a few articles that the Bengals should fire their coach?

    If you want Bengals stories, it may help to go to a Bengals-focused site. This is a Bucs-centric site.

  6. Woodenman Says:

    I think alot of people disagree with your thoughts on last game but the only you hear are the loud mouths that spew your narrative.

  7. Capt.Tim Says:

    Oh, McCaffrey’s back.
    It just keeps getting better

  8. Pewter Power Says:

    I hope Bowles doesn’t embarrass us. If McCaffrey goes off they’ll talk about him all week which means Bucs defense on display.

  9. Bucs And Them Says:

    If the Bucs would’ve went for the 2 point conversion against KC (which I they should’ve) when the offense was lathered up from the successful drive, in KC’s crib, in the rain, with Mahomes & Andy Reid on the other side of the field, we would have had a 50/50 shot at the win. Don’t convert, you went down swinging and showed the players you believed in them and wanted the win. I have to believe the odds of an away team, tying the score with 30 seconds left at KC, (which in the Buc’s case, there shouldn’t have been 30 seconds left because of the dumb timeout called) then winning the coin toss, driving the length of the field for a touchdown is considerably lower odds. Gutless decision by Bowles.

  10. Bartow Buc Says:

    Joe, Christian McCaffery is one of the greatest backs to ever play the game. But maybe the Bucs improving defense will have a good plan to slow down his game and pressure Purdy. Also, Hopefully, the Bucs will overwhelm the 49ers with their best of three worlds rushing attack, NFL leading Quarterback, Cade Otten, and high scoring offense to pull out a win at home !!

    Go Bucs !!!!

  11. Ol' Boy Says:

    Their 2nd ranked offense to our 30th ranked defense

    … So your telling me there’s a chance…

    ALRIGHT! I hear ya..

  12. heyjude Says:

    The positive thing is that we don’t know which McCaffrey we will see coming back from an injury. Shanahan can say he is doing awesome, but you never know. Can’t forget about Kittles and Deebo either.

  13. Dave Pear Says:

    Lovie2 gutless? The heck you say! He’s actually just way smarter than everyone else. He’s playing the long game, that’s what a local expert said. See, he’s trying to make the playoffs with the worst possible record, to have the best draft position. Super smart.

    I think Lovie2 is grand.

  14. Ed Says:

    No more excuses, no more bad tackling and zone defense that can’t get a third down stop. It’s time for a home game where the Buc players step up to make game winning plays. You know, I know and Mike Shanahan knows that the first read for Purdy is to George Kittle 15 yards downfield in that zone.

    Bowles has to stop getting beat by the best players and scheme something that forces the ball to other SF players. No more home losses. This game is a must win because overall record is the only long shot the Bucs have for a playoff spot.

    It is a playoff game for the Bucs.

  15. Cobraboy Says:

    He will feast on this D’s marshmallow-soft defense.

  16. Cobraboy Says:

    Every game the rest of the season is a do-or-die playoff game, along with waiting for another team to crater.

    Such “JOY!”