Is Christian McCaffrey out for the season? 49ers RB still without timetable to return from Achilles injury

The 49ers were expected to be one of the top teams in the NFL this season trying to prevent the Chiefs from pulling off a Super Bowl three-peat. The injuries keep piling up, however, giving San Francisco a tougher and tougher hill to climb. 

Luckily, there is plenty of time left in the season so the Niners aren't out of it yet. The biggest cloud looming over them is the injury status of star running back Christian McCaffrey. 

CMC was listed as questionable ahead of San Fran's Week 1 game against the Jets. Despite analysts saying he was expected to play, he was ruled inactive ahead of kickoff. It's been a month and the running back hasn't touched the field.

Reports keep getting worse and worse on the running back's health, and Niners fans are begging for some good news. We are heading into Week 6 of the 2024 NFL season, so now is a good time to check in on McCaffrey's timeline to return from his injury. 

NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule

What is Christian McCaffrey's injury?

McCaffrey was initially ruled out in Week 1 with a calf injury. It was then expanded to include Achilles tendonitis. The running back was added to injured reserve in Week 2, meaning he had to miss at least four games. He is first eligible to return in Week 6. 

Then, on Sept. 30, it was reported that McCaffrey not only had Achilles tendonitis but had it in both legs. He even went to Germany to consult with a specialist there. 

Achilles tendonitis refers to an "overuse of the Achilles tendon, the band that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone," per the Mayo Clinic. Part of the risk of coming back too soon from Achilles tendonitis is that it can weaken the tendon making it more susceptible to tear.

San Francisco clearly hopes it can rest McCaffrey for half a season rather than risking him suffering an injury that is worse and knocks him out for the whole year. 

WEEK 6 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

How long will Christian McCaffrey be out?

Recovery from severe Achilles tendonitis can take a few months. It was reported in Week 5 that McCaffrey had a very light rehab session on the field and didn't suffer any setbacks. 

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said that McCaffrey is targeting a November return. San Francisco is on bye in Week 9, but a November return means that the running back can return in Week 10 against the Buccaneers, Week 11 against the Seahawks or Week 12 against the Packers. 

McCaffrey's teammate Trent Williams was recently asked about McCaffrey when he made an appearance on the Rich Eisen show. 

"He said he's improving the last I talked to him just a day or two ago," Williams said. "He said the treatment is going great, rehab is going great. I think he's extremely confident that he'll be back in the lineup pretty soon. I don't know how soon, but definitely expecting him this year."

49ers schedule 2024

WEEK 6 POWER RANKINGS: Commanders, Ravens rise; 49ers, Bills fall

49ers RB depth chart

With McCaffrey sidelined, Mason has stepped into the RB1 role in San Francisco. He has done his best in relief and has been a solid contributor. San Francisco has been dealing with a plethora of other injuries to both sides of the ball and special teams, but Mason is doing about as well as you could hope for a backup.

The Niners tend to stick with one main running back, and that has been the case even without McCaffrey. Mason has 105 carries on the season and Guerendo has 12 through five games.