The San Francisco 49ers have had a rough start to the season, currently sitting in third place in the NFC West with a 2-3 record. The team recently suffered their second loss in three weeks, this time a narrow 24-23 defeat to divisional rivals, the Arizona Cardinals, in the final moments of the game.
It’s evident that the 49ers are missing All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been sidelined since the start of the season due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis.
While the 49ers are dealing with multiple issues, including a defense that surrendered a 13-point lead to Arizona, there’s no doubt that having last year’s rushing champion back would be a major boost.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an update on McCaffrey’s potential return, stating that the star RB “will not be activated for Thursday night’s game in Seattle against the Seahawks, despite being eligible to return.” Schefter also gave insight into when McCaffrey could be back on the field.
McCaffrey, who recently received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection during a visit to Germany, remains on the injured reserve list, and the 49ers are being cautious with his recovery.
“McCaffrey’s return will depend on how he performs in practice, but there is mild optimism, as his Achilles and calf issues did not worsen following his first on-field work this week,” Schefter reported, noting that it was McCaffrey’s first action since being placed on IR.
Schefter also mentioned that McCaffrey’s Achilles issues are more concentrated in one leg, with the other leg improving, and that the tendinitis is not considered a significant concern.
McCaffrey is focused on avoiding setbacks as he continues ramping up for a return to play. If his progress continues without issues, McCaffrey could return on October 20 for a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs.
However, Schefter also noted that the 49ers may take an even more cautious approach.
“There’s also a chance McCaffrey might return for the October 27 game against the Cowboys,” Schefter wrote. “But it’s possible the 49ers will wait until after the bye week to give McCaffrey extra time, targeting a return for their November 10 game at Tampa Bay. The team isn’t certain about the exact timing, but they are encouraged that McCaffrey hasn’t had any recent setbacks.”
Last season, McCaffrey led the NFL in total scrimmage yards (2,023) and combined rushing and receiving touchdowns (21). He is a key red zone threat for the 49ers, and the offense has been more limited without him on the field.
“It does kind of limit what we can do or changes the playbook when he’s not there,” admitted 49ers run game coordinator Chris Foerster. “As good as Jordan Mason and the other backs are, they’re just not going to be Christian. That has an effect.”
In McCaffrey’s absence, Mason has stepped up admirably, tallying 602 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns over five games. Mason currently ranks second in the league in rushing, though he did have a costly fumble in the Week 5 loss to Arizona.
While the exact timing of McCaffrey’s return remains uncertain, there is optimism, and it’s expected that his presence will elevate the 49ers’ already strong backfield.
