The reigning Offensive Player of the Year has yet to see the field in 2024. When can we expect to see San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey take the field again?
What Is Christian McCaffrey’s Injury?
McCaffrey has spent the 2024 campaign on injured reserve while battling Achilles tendinitis in both legs. He recently sought treatment in Germany, while he reportedly participated in on-field work in early October.
McCaffrey’s injury was downplayed during the preseason as a minor calf strain. However, he pulled himself from practice prior to the team’s season opener vs. the New York Jets. He was subsequently placed on injured reserve after Week 1.
For more clarity on McCaffrey’s Achilles tendinitis injury, the Mayo Clinic defines it as “an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.”
The clinic also says the injury “most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs.”
In terms of treatment, the clinic says most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with at-home care under a doctor’s supervision, but more serious cases “can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.”
How Long Will McCaffrey Be Sidelined?
San Francisco didn’t open McCaffrey’s practice window last week and there’s been no indication they’ll do so before its Week 8 game against the Dallas Cowboys.
On Monday, NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported McCaffrey could return for the 49ers when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after their Week 9 BYE.
From @GMFB: The latest on the #49ers injuries, including Brandon Aiyuk potentially lost for the season, and #Seahawks WR DK Metcalf has a minor knee injury. pic.twitter.com/nNeEUDUqoP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 21, 2024
Fantasy Outlook for 49ers Running Backs
Jordan Mason ranks second in the NFL with 667 rushing yards, trailing only Derrick Henry.
Mason battled through a shoulder injury to rush 14 times for 58 yards in last Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He should be good to go for this Sunday’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.
In the short term, Mason is a must-start as long as he continues to suit up without McCaffrey. If Mason were to suffer a setback with his shoulder injury and miss time, rookie Isaac Guerendo would be the San Francisco RB to own.
When McCaffrey does return, he will likely be the only 49ers running back worth starting.
He played a monstrous 80.2% of San Francisco’s offensive snaps last season (excluding the Week 18 game he sat out with playoff positioning clinched), so there’s plenty of room to come down while still maintaining bell-cow status.
Shanahan has continuously leaned heavily on McCaffrey despite promises in the past that he would lighten his workload. Perhaps this situation finally leads Shanahan to keep that resolution, but we shouldn’t assume McCaffrey will be in any type of committee until we actually see it.