Christian McCaffrey returns to 49ers practice after planned absence

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has returned to practice following a planned absence that lasted several weeks. His time away was described as a strategy to manage his workload ahead of the season. McCaffrey missed both preseason games due to what the team termed 'tightness,' raising concerns about his health. However, McCaffrey clarified that the absence was part of a deliberate training plan aimed at keeping him fresh for the upcoming season. The 49ers are seeking to contend for a Super Bowl with a changed approach to McCaffrey's training, given his injury history and previous seasons' workloads.

• 4:15 AMYahoo Sports — Star 49ers' long absence from practice was planned, not injury-related