Christian McCaffrey’s stellar 2023 season propelled the 49ers to the Super Bowl, earning him the Offensive Player of the Year award.
With 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards, and 21 total touchdowns, he was a key factor in the team’s success.
But as the new season unfolds, the reigning NFC champs find themselves in unfamiliar territory with a 2-2 start and their star running back sidelined.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped a bombshell on Monday, revealing, “Questions persist about Christian McCaffrey. He’s dealing with Achilles tendonitis, actually in both legs. Both legs, not just one.”
He added, “That’s been an ongoing and recurring issue. So there remains a major question as to when McCaffrey will be back for the 49ers.”
The news of McCaffrey’s bilateral Achilles tendinitis comes on the heels of his recent trip to Germany for treatment.
He’s been out since Week 2, and now we know why: the issue is affecting both legs, not just one.
Achilles tendinitis, an overuse injury that impacts the tendon connecting calf muscles to the heel bone, can range from mild to severe.
While some cases can be managed at home, more serious instances might lead to tendon tears requiring surgery.
The 49ers are cautiously optimistic, hoping to get a clearer picture of McCaffrey’s status in the coming weeks.
They’re planning to gradually increase his rehab workload to gauge his response, with the goal of “quieting down” the injury.
The timeline for McCaffrey’s return remains uncertain. Earlier reports suggested he might be back by early November, but the revelation of bilateral tendinitis could change the game plan.
For now, the team, McCaffrey, and medical experts are in wait-and-see mode, evaluating how he responds to increased activity before making any definitive calls.
