Christian McCaffrey took a few minutes to address reporters Friday for the first time since Sept. 12; this was his last public speech before being placed on injured reserve due to Achilles tendinitis in both feet.

Here’s a transcript of what McCaffrey said about the 49ers (4-4) heading into the game to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) on Sunday.

Q: Can you take us on a trip to Germany?

– McCaffrey: I keep all this secret. When you are injured while on IR you will do anything to get back. I feel good right now and that’s all that matters.

Q: It has been said that rest is an important component to your recovery. Would you agree with this?

– McCaffrey: I wish it were that easy. It’s a combination of a lot of things that go into it. Our staff did a great job. The last eight weeks have been extremely unfortunate for me. It’s very difficult to get injured. It’s hard physically, mentally, emotionally. Especially when it doesn’t go as planned, when it’s not expected and things go wrong, but now I feel great and I’m ready to go.

Q: How did you get through that period?

– McCaffrey: One day at a time. You just have to trust God and take it one day at a time. It can be dark sometimes, especially when something like this happens and you feel like it. . . You suffer physically when you have to watch a match. I try very hard not to let things like this happen and it adds up to a lot. I think about football almost every day of my life. It consumes about 98 percent of my life. So it can be very difficult when things don’t go your way. All I know is that when you get on that field it makes you realize how blessed and lucky you are, so I’m happy to be back.

Q: Kyle Shanahan said going on IR took the pressure off in terms of giving him some time. Was it the same for you?

– McCaffrey: I can say this; From John (Lynch) to Kyle to Jed (York) to the entire training staff, the way they approached everything and the way they went about it was amazing. Sometimes you need people in your corner to watch over you, and maybe they will know what’s best for you when there are times when you want to screw up and do something that could be risky. They handled it and I’m really lucky with the training team and the strong team.

Q: What was your mindset as you returned to the field for training?

– McCaffrey: Oh, I’m so grateful. Sometimes you assume you play this game for a living. This is what you do, this is what you train for, but when it’s taken away even for a short time, it makes you appreciate every day you’re on the grass.

Q: Were you able to stay in the meeting room and was it gratifying to see what Jordan (Mason) and Isaac (Guerendo) could do?

– McCaffrey: I stayed as long as I could. There is no need for this when you are on IR. Yes, there is a need for it, but almost every hour of the day is devoted to being healthy and there is no need to necessarily attend meetings. A lot of treatment, a lot of pre-treatment, rehabilitation, training, etc. Sleep, rest, you name it. But it was amazing to see what these guys have done and will continue to do. We have such a great room that I will pit our guys against everyone else’s. With a guy like Bobby Turner as your coach, it’s no surprise to see what these guys do. There’s a standard in that room and the guys have done a great job and will continue to do a great job.

Q: Is there anything you need to practice about your pre-match routine due to these injuries?

– McCaffrey: I changed it a good amount, yes. A lot of people have asked me: ‘What do you do for education?’ And I stopped answering. I figure this out every day. All I know is that I have a good routine now and I feel good, that’s all that matters.