San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey was activated from injured reserve on Saturday and will make his season debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

McCaffrey missed the first eight games due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He was listed as questionable on Friday’s injury report.

McCaffrey, 28, initially hurt his calf on Aug. 6 and was placed on injured reserve prior to Week 2.

But now he’s ready to go and 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is ready to give him the ball.

McCaffrey was NFL Offensive Player of the Year last season when he led the NFL with 2,023 yards from scrimmage: a league-leading 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns plus 67 catches for 564 yards and seven touchdowns.

McCaffrey hasn’t played since the 49ers lost to the Chiefs 25-22 in overtime in the Super Bowl nearly nine months ago. McCaffrey had 22 carries for 80 yards and eight receptions for 80 yards and a touchdown in that contest.

The 49ers opened a roster spot for McCaffrey by waiving running back Patrick Taylor Jr. on Friday.

San Francisco also elevated safety Tashaun Gipson Sr. from the practice squad on Saturday.

–Field Level Media