Report reveals when Christian McCaffrey could make 2024 debut

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

The San Francisco 49ers have refused to put a timeline on Christian McCaffrey’s recovery from a nagging Achilles injury, but it does not sound like the star running back is in danger of missing the entire 2024 season.

McCaffrey traveled to Germany last week to meet with a specialist about his ongoing Achilles tendonitis. Ian Rapoport of NFL Media said Sunday that the treatment overseas “went well” that McCaffrey is targeting a potential November return.

“My understanding, now that he is back in the United States, it seems like the treatment went well,” Rapoport said. “There is a chance he could run on hard ground — grass, basically — this week, which would be a step forward. For those worried about McCaffrey not playing at all this year, my understanding is that the 49ers are not rushing him but they do expect him back at least by early November.”

From @NFLGameDay: #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is back from Germany and could run on hard ground this week. He should be back, at least, by early November; Meanwhile, #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce remains a key part of their offense, despite the numbers. pic.twitter.com/AftUY2lQn9

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024

Niners general manager John Lynch said in an interview on Friday that the goal has been for McCaffrey’s injury to “quiet down” so the running back gets to a point where he can ramp up his recovery.

McCaffrey is eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 6, but he is clearly going to be out a while longer.

Jordan Mason has been operating as San Francisco’s starting running back in McCaffrey’s absence. The third-year back has rushed for 324 yards and an impressive 4.8 yards per carry.