Reporter offers big update on Christian McCaffrey

Aug 25, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey has not played this season due to an Achilles injury, but there have been numerous indications recently that the San Francisco 49ers star is nearing a return.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media said on Friday that there is a “very good chance” McCaffrey will play in Week 10, which is after San Francisco has their bye. Niners running back Jordan Mason is expected suit up against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday despite his shoulder injury. Rapoport believes that game could be the last time Mason serves as the lead back for the 49ers.

“The 49ers have a bye (in Week 9). Christian McCaffrey should start practicing then, and there’s a very good chance that McCaffrey is on the field Nov. 10, the 49ers’ next game (after the bye),” Rapoport said. “With Jordan Mason in fantasy, this might be your last hurrah.”

From @GMFB: While #49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is out, the #49ers could have two key skill players on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/YXawbbzl1i

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2024

McCaffrey has been dealing with Achilles tendonitis, possibly in both of his legs. The 49ers finally acknowledged earlier this week that the All-Pro could return to action after their bye, and Rapoport is expecting that to happen.

Most fans will believe it when they see it. The 49ers played coy about McCaffrey’s injury all offseason and operated like they were not concerned about the 28-year-old’s availability for Week 1. More than six weeks have passed and McCaffrey has yet to being practicing in full.

The 49ers are 3-4 and lost one of their best players to a season-ending injury last week. While they are committed to not rushing McCaffrey back, they are likely going to need him down the stretch.