Finally, Christian McCaffrey is set to make his season debut in 2024.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told KNBR On Thursday, he expects McCaffrey to play Sunday against the host Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I expect to get him there,” Shanahan said.

The reigning Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey, has been sidelined all season with Achilles tendon and calf injuries. CMC returned to the practice field on a limited basis this week and will now return to the playing field.

McCaffrey has missed the first eight games of the 49ers’ season, but he has been dealing with injuries for some time.

During training camp, Shanahan announced that McCaffrey would be held out of preseason games as a precaution and would also miss a few weeks of practice. McCaffrey would miss much more than that, though. The running back’s injury saga began with a surprising absence in Week 1. He was eventually placed on injured reserve and concerns grew as he traveled to Germany for expert treatment.

How much run CMC gets against the Bucs remains to be seen. There is also the question of how the backfield representatives will be worked out.

In McCaffrey’s absence, Jordan Mason posted 685 rushing yards in eight games. Mason has been dealing with a shoulder injury lately, but rookie Isaac Guerendo has also had a flashy time carrying the ball.

Nevertheless, McCaffrey’s presence is invaluable.

He is the reigning rushing champion and a dual-threat who has been a perfect fit for an elite 49ers offense in recent seasons.

What he looks like and how quickly he returns to All-Pro form are the next questions that need to be answered.