Christian McCaffrey, the San Francisco 49ers’ star running back, will not be activated for Thursday night’s game against the Seattle Seahawks, according to league sources. Although McCaffrey is eligible to return from injured reserve, the team has chosen to hold him out as he continues to recover from calf and Achilles tendinitis issues that have sidelined him since Week 2. His return to the field remains uncertain as the team monitors his progress in practice, with no clear date set for his comeback.
McCaffrey’s potential return is being carefully evaluated based on his performance in practice, though there is some optimism surrounding his recovery. This week marked his first on-field work since being placed on IR, and there were no reported flare-ups of his calf or Achilles injuries, which is a positive sign. The focus is on ensuring he does not experience any setbacks as he ramps up his activities.
Despite dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, the condition is reportedly more concentrated in one leg, while the other leg is improving. Sources indicate that McCaffrey and the 49ers are primarily focused on preventing further setbacks, as his return to play is contingent on gradual progress. If all goes well, he may return as soon as October 20 for a Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
There is also a possibility that McCaffrey could return for the October 27 game against the Dallas Cowboys. However, the 49ers may choose a more cautious approach, potentially sitting him out for both games to allow for additional recovery time, including the team’s upcoming bye week. This would give him an extended period to fully prepare for their next game on November 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
McCaffrey has been managing this issue since early training camp, even consulting a specialist in Germany to address the tendinitis. He missed significant practice time before the season began and was eventually placed on IR after experiencing Achilles pain following a practice in September. Despite his injury struggles, McCaffrey remains a top offensive player, having led the NFL last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and earning AP Offensive Player of the Year honors.
