When will Christian McCaffrey return from injury? Latest on 49ers RB's status 

Christian McCaffrey was placed on the San Francisco 49ers' injured reserve list on Sunday. This effectively ruled out the running back from San Francisco's next four games. However, it appears that McCaffrey's return to action could be delayed even further.

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When will Christian McCaffrey return?

San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey (Source: IMAGN)

As per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Christian McCaffrey could be sidelined for up to six weeks to heel from his Achilles tendinitis. The running back is also dealing with a calf injury.

"From @NFLGameDay : #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey may need as much as 6 weeks to heal from his Achilles tendinitis, a frustrating injury; Meanwhile, #Rams WR Puka Nacua (PCL) could remain on the sidelines until Week 9," Rapoport posted on X (formerly Twitter).

If McCaffrey needs six weeks to recover, he will miss Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings, Week 3 against the LA Rams, Week 4 against the New England Patriots, Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals, Week 6 against the Seattle Seahawks and likely sit out the Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Judging by the timeline, the latest game McCaffrey could return for San Francisco would be in Week 8 against the Dallas Cowboys on Oct. 27.

McCaffrey, whose status was unclear when he spoke to ESPN on Wednesday, said that he was eager to get back onto the field after missing San Francisco's Week 1 win over the New York Jets.

“My mindset every week is I’m going to play,” McCaffrey said (per ESPN). “There’s been weeks where I’ll go the full week, not even feeling good enough to do the walkthrough, and then I wake up and the body’s capable of a lot of cool things.

"Mentally, I’m always prepared to play, and then woke up and it was a group decision, a very tough one. I hate not playing, but I look at it as a chess move and something that hopefully you can benefit from the rest of the season.”

In McCaffrey's absence, his backup, Jordan Mason, is set to get an extended run for the 49ers. Mason got off to a great start in 2024, when he recorded 28 carries for 147 yards and a touchdown in San Francisco's 32-19 victory over the Jets on Monday.

Nonetheless, the 49ers will hope that McCaffrey returns to the fray sooner rather than later. He was an integral part of San Francisco's offense last season, rushing 1,459 yards and scoring 14 touchdowns. McCaffrey also added 564 yards on 41 receptions and caught seven touchdowns to be named the Offensive Player of the Year.