San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Monday, and ESPN’s Nick Wagoner posted video of the star in action.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero San Francisco is reportedly hopeful he can be on the field for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

McCaffrey missed the Niners’ Week 1 win against the New York Jets with a calf strain and bilateral Achilles tendonitis and was placed on injured reserve shortly after Week 2. San Francisco committed to missing at least four by placing him on IR. But even after four games, the 49ers had yet to move him.

In late September, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (h/t NFL.com) Jeremy Bergman), reported that McCaffrey had gone to Germany for treatment of his injuries and planned to return in early November.

Niners’ bye ahead of Week 9, ESPN’s Nick Wagoner “McCaffrey will ‘hit hard’ this week with some simulated practice drills as the team goes bye. If all goes well, they aim to have him back in practice next week, according to Kyle Shanahan.”

Same day, ESPN Adam Schefter reported that McCaffrey was “ready” to return for Week 10.

In McCaffrey’s absence, the 49ers looked to Jordan Mason in the backfield, and he had a solid performance with 685 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 134 carries. As good as Mason is, San Francisco is eagerly awaiting McCaffrey’s return.