Adam Schefter offers concerning injury update on 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey

While the 49ers say Christian McCaffrey is nearing a return from injury, another report from ESPN draws a lot more concern.

Update: Adam Schefter added to the below report by noting how Christian McCaffrey has tendinitis in both legs, which was also reported by NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco.

Despite No. 2 running back Jordan Mason churning up chunks of yards on a regular basis over the course of 2024, the San Francisco 49ers sorely miss All-Pro rusher Christian McCaffrey.

McCaffrey is currently shelved on injured reserve as he recovers from an Achilles injury, one that prompted him to travel to Germany to see a specialist recently. There's no concrete timetable for his return, but statements from general manager John Lynch hinted at a return sooner than later.

Prior to the Niners' Week 4 win over the New England Patriots, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters the plan was for McCaffrey to start "hitting his rehab" the following Monday.

McCaffrey is eligible to come off IR in Week 6 when San Francisco plays the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.

That might be optimistic, though, and a recent report from ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter seemed to cast doubt on the reigning Offensive Player of the Year's likelihood of an imminent return.

Adam Schefter on Christian McCaffrey: 'I don't think the 49ers know when he's coming back'

Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter cast some doubts on whether or not McCaffrey would return when eligible.

I" don't think Christian McCaffrey knows when he's coming back," Schefter said. "I don't think the 49ers know when he's coming back. I don't think anybody knows right now when he's coming back."

"They have talked and said that they're going to begin to ramp up Christian McCaffrey, potentially even this week, starting to get him back to see how he's feeling," Schefter added. "Ideally, you'd like to hope and think that he's going to be feeling better, that the time off will have helped."

There's plenty to dive into with regard to the injury, including whether or not an increased workload during such a ramp-up phase would reaggravate the Achilles.

Or, worse yet, subject McCaffrey to a potentially disastrous setback that could prematurely end his season.

This probably explains why the Niners don't mind being cautious, thinking long term with their superstar instead of rushing him back before he's fully healed.

Either way, it sounds like there are plenty of factors at play, and there's no simple answer for when he'll be back on the field.

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