CMC returns to practice, ready for 49ers-Packers playoff clash

SANTA CLARA — Running back Christian McCaffrey returned to the practice field Tuesday as the 49ers began preparations to face the Green Bay Packers in the divisional round of the NFC playoffs on Saturday at Levi's Stadium. McCaffrey, who led the NFL with 1,459 yards rushing, sat out the past two weeks to allow a mild right calf strain to fully heal before the 49ers' first playoff game. "I think he's geared-up and ready to go, same way he was last year, probably the same way he was in his playoff game when he was 5 years old, too, or a scrimmage," 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said. "Christian is always the same. He's always waiting for that moment." McCaffrey, rookie safety Ji'Ayir Brown and wide receiver Jauan Jennings were fully cleared to resume practice. Brown missed two games with a knee injury, while Jennings sat out the final three games of the regular season with a concussion. The only player on the 49ers' 53-man roster who is not expected to be available to face the Packers is defensive end Clelin Ferrell, who sustained a knee injury in the team's Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 49ers on Tuesday re-signed defensive end Austin Bryant to the practice squad. The...