Christian McCaffrey could return earlier than expected?

Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up before playing against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey may be able to return from his calf injury sooner than expected.

There has been plenty of mystery surrounding McCaffrey’s injury. The San Francisco 49ers running back is dealing with Achilles tendonitis and has the issue in both legs. McCaffrey went to Germany to be checked out by a specialist. A recent report said he might be back by November. But it sounds like McCaffrey could return even sooner.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter published a report on Saturday night saying that there are reasons to be encouraged about a potential McCaffrey return. Schefter says that McCaffrey did not suffer any setbacks after a workout this week. Additionally, the issue apparently is concentrated on one leg, while the running back’s other leg is doing better.

Schefter reports that McCaffrey could return as soon as October 20 or 27. However, there is still a possibility that the Niners keep McCaffrey out through their bye week and return on Nov. 10.

McCaffrey has not played yet this season and has been on injured reserve since Week 2. The 49ers are 2-2 and have been led on the ground by Jordan Mason, who has rushed for 447 yards. When healthy, McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL.