CMC’s return brings palpable energy to 49ers’ locker room

Programming Note: Watch "49ers Now" with Matt Maiocco and Jennifer Lee Chan at 4 p.m. PT today from Santa Clara, streaming live on the NBC Sports App, YouTube and Facebook. SANTA CLARA — Christian McCaffrey's return to the field could be a boon for the 49ers' offense on Sunday, and George Kittle's enthusiasm is palpable. "Really excited," Kittle said on Thursday. "He's a hell of a football player, great to have him in the huddle this week and last week a little bit. Anytime you can have a player of that caliber come back, and not just his talent level, but what he brings to the field and the team with his energy, the playmaking. "It's a whole new level of energy we are going to have out there." The reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year is set to make his 2024 debut on Sunday when the 49ers face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. While San Francisco has been productive on the offensive side of the ball, their red zone efficacy has suffered without McCaffrey on the field. By Week 8 of the 2023 season, McCaffrey already had scored 13 touchdowns — nine rushing, four receiving. Through eight games in 2024, the 49ers' offense only has scored 19...