San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey could hit the field sooner rather than later. McCaffrey, who recently flew to Germany for treatment and a second opinion on his ongoing Achilles tendonitis, is aiming for a return in early November, according to NFL Network Ian Rapoport.
McCaffrey, who missed the season opener due to injury, went on IR before week 2ruling him out for at least Week 5. This new schedule would see the three-time Pro Bowl running back return in Week 9 or 10.
According to Rapoport, McCaffrey underwent treatment in Germany similar to a PRP treatment, in which doctors inject the patient’s own platelets into the injury site in an attempt to speed up the healing process. The treatment apparently went well and McCaffrey could potentially begin running on hard court this week, according to Rapoport.
McCaffrey, the reigning AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, was a late cut in Week 1 with the 49ers. announcing that it would be inactive just hours before kickoff against the New York Jets. The 49ers were able to win this game handily without their best running back, but have since fallen to 1-2.
As for the early November schedule, it’s likely McCaffrey will be out for a few more games after the four IR games. The 49ers also have a bye in the first week of November, but could welcome back the 28-year-old running back for Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on November 10.
Jordan Mason replaced McCaffrey as San Francisco’s RB1, with the third-year running back racking up 324 yards and two touchdowns in McCaffrey’s absence to start the season.
