San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Thursday after sitting out Wednesday's session due to what head coach Kyle Shanahan called "some irritation" in his knee. The issue arose during Sunday's 13-0 win over the New Orleans Saints.
San Francisco lost running back Elijah Mitchell for the remainder of the regular season due to an MCL sprain. Rookie Jordan Mason, known as "J.P." to his coaches and teammates, filled in for Mitchell and McCaffrey at the end of the game against the Saints.
Defensive linemen Arik Armstead and Charles Omenihu were on the practice field. While Armstead has not played since Week 4, he was a limited practice participant on Wednesday and last Friday. Omenihu did not practice on Wednesday due to a knee issue.
Guard Spencer Burford appeared to be back at practice after missing Wednesday's session due to an ankle sprain.
Deebo Samuel's absence is a bit concerning as the team heads into a big game against the Miami Dolphins. The wide receiver was limited on Wednesday due to a quad injury but was nowhere to be seen at the start of Thursday's practice.
#49ers practice is underway in rain:
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 1, 2022
*Christian McCaffrey is participating, knee ok
*Deebo Samuel not seen
*DE Omenihu, G Burford return
*DL Arik Armstead practicing, 3rd in a row
*QB Jimmy Garoppolo no issues & no rain gloves
*Last rain practice: first day of pads at camp pic.twitter.com/f1G7UQnUun