The San Francisco 49ers held a bonus practice session on Tuesday, marking a significant moment as wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey rejoined their teammates on the field. The team will begin its regular game-week schedule on Thursday.
Aiyuk, who has not practiced with the team since February amid a contract standoff, has finally resolved his issues, signing a four-year, $120 million extension last week.
Meanwhile, McCaffrey was sidelined with a calf strain and missed most of training camp and the entire preseason. The injury was never considered serious.
RELATED 49ers approaching full strength: Aiyuk, McCaffrey expected to practice; Williams on his way
"Yeah, I feel great," McCaffrey said shortly after the injury. "Very cautionary stuff. If we had a game, I would play, but just trying to be smart right now. But still training, still getting a bunch of work in, so that come Week 1, we're ready to roll."
Additionally, tackle Trent Williams is expected to return after ending his lengthy holdout. His representatives are finalizing the details of a restructured deal with the 49ers.
Visual evidence that Trent Williams is at practice … pic.twitter.com/v2lTOxUWAZ
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) September 3, 2024
Media access is limited to observing warm-ups and individual drills, with reporters required to leave during team drills. The following videos of Aiyuk and McCaffrey from the early portions of practice have been shared on social media.
Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey back at 49ers practice
Jauan Jennings, Aaron Banks also back pic.twitter.com/jeJYlb52P3
— Jake Hutchinson (@hutchdiesel) September 3, 2024
#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk and RB Christian McCaffrey back at practice on Tuesday… pic.twitter.com/CygXK20riF
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) September 3, 2024
#49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk back on the practice field. pic.twitter.com/JH6sPUglaG
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 3, 2024
CMC back at 49ers practice 💨 pic.twitter.com/pCFeQ4IRxc
— KNBR (@KNBR) September 3, 2024
He's baaaack 😈 pic.twitter.com/3IgEpr4OH2
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 3, 2024
OPOY also returned to practice 🙌 pic.twitter.com/rp86fPwgdn
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) September 3, 2024