As Tampa Bay gets ready to host last year’s Super Bowl runners-up, it seems like one of their players is already up for the challenge. Just hours before the kickoff at Raymond James Stadium, the 49ers CB Deommodore Lenoir posted a cryptic message on X. Entering the final year of his $3M rookie deal, Lenoir probably has a message for the Bucs fans in Florida.

Already having 46 tackles to his name and three interceptions on the year, Lenoir is putting a strong case for himself in the Niners’ defense. And with his team looking to earn their fifth win of the season, Lenoir posted, “I’m pissed off 🤌🏾.” Although we don’t know what could be the reason behind him getting pissed off, the Bucs should look out for Lenoir. His inside and outside versatility could cause a lot of trouble for the Bucs’ offense.

Even though Lenoir can be a strong tackler himself, the Bucs also need to deal with Fred Warner. Leading the 49ers defense on tackles (66) this season, Warner already has four forced fumbles and two interceptions to his name. Known for being a tackling machine, Warner can be a headache for Baker Mayfield’s plays today. Apart from Lenoir and Warner, the Niners also have Nick Bosa to help keep the Bucs out of their end zone.

However, the Bucs could enjoy some respite as Bosa is still listed as questionable (hip injury) ahead of the clash. But the biggest worry for the home side could be the return of last year’s Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey. This would be his first game of the season after getting listed on the injury reserves back in September. After suffering an Achilles Tendinitis, McCaffrey had to miss the first 8 games for the Niners this season.

With him back in contention, the 49ers QB Brock Purdy couldn’t control his excitement, “It’s been awesome. Just what he brings to the table and really just firing everybody else up around. All of us coming off the bye week and feeling good and fresh and then you get 2-3 next to you in the backfield. It’s been awesome. Looks great moving around and he’s trending in the right direction.” Although the 49ers could celebrate the return of their running back, it wasn’t a seamless path to recovery.

As McCaffrey often found himself in the dark, seeing his team play and being unable to contribute on the gridiron.

Christian McCaffrey breaking silence on his return this Sunday

After leading the Niners to a Super Bowl runner’s up spot last year, McCaffrey was supposed to play a key role this season. However, his constant issues with injuries have kept him on the sidelines, which hasn’t been a great experience for the running back. Leading the league in rushing yards (1,469) and TDs (14) last year, McCaffrey is set to play his first game today, “I feel good now, and that’s all that matters. It’s a combination of a lot of things that go into it, our staff did an amazing job.”

However, it wasn’t an amazing experience at all for the 3-time Pro Bowler, as he often found himself in a dark place, “It can be dark sometimes and especially when you’re having to watch games, you’re physically in pain. Football consumes about 98 percent of my life. When it doesn’t go right, it can be very tough. But all I know is it makes you realize how blessed and fortunate you are to play when you are on that field.” Well, as he prepared for his eventual comeback on the gridiron, it seems the 49ers RB is adapting to new changes in his life.

“I’ve changed a good amount. I’m figuring it out every day. I got a good routine right now and I feel good,” said the 28-year-old. Will his return help the Niners come back victorious from Tampa Bay? We will soon find out because a win for the 49ers would help keep their playoff hopes alive for the season.