Christian McCaffrey will miss his fourth straight game against the 49ers on Sunday, but he is on track for a midseason return after flying to Germany this week to receive treatment for his Achilles injury.
The three-time Pro Bowl running back is expected to return by “at least early November,” according to reports. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
“It's similar to PRP treatment, and my understanding is that since he's back in the U.S., the treatment seems to have worked and he might be able to run on hard ground, basically grass, this week. That would be a step forward,” Rapoport said Sunday.
“For those worried about McCaffrey not playing at all this year, my understanding is that the 49ers are in no hurry to bring him back, but they hope he'll be back by at least early November. “That's a good sign for McCaffrey.”
Jordan Mason replaced McCaffrey, who led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards last season, and rushed for 324 yards and two touchdowns in the Niners' 1-2 start.
The Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year had 67 receptions for 564 yards and 21 total touchdowns, including 14 on the ground.
McCaffrey, 28, injured his Achilles tendon early in training camp and was placed on injured reserve after suffering the injury late in the season opener against the Jets.
McCaffrey will be eligible to return for Week 6 against Seattle on Oct. 10, but NFL Network reports he could be out for several weeks longer than that.
