San Francisco 49ers’ star running back Christian McCaffrey traveled to Germany to seek advice from a specialist regarding his Achilles tendinitis, as confirmed by coach Kyle Shanahan. McCaffrey has been dealing with this issue since early in training camp and was placed on injured reserve at the beginning of the season. Shanahan expressed hope that the specialist in Germany would be able to provide assistance in McCaffrey’s recovery process.
McCaffrey originally sustained the injury during training camp, causing him to miss four weeks of practice. Despite returning on a limited basis before the season opener, he was ultimately unable to play and was placed on injured reserve on September 14 after experiencing Achilles tendon pain following a practice session. While McCaffrey could potentially return for a Week 6 game against Seattle, his timeline for recovery remains uncertain.
The talented running back led the NFL in yards from scrimmage last season and was recognized as the AP Offensive Player of the Year after scoring 21 touchdowns. Despite a history of injuries in his final seasons with the Carolina Panthers, McCaffrey had managed to stay healthy over the past two seasons, missing only one game due to a calf issue in the prior season.
The 49ers have been plagued by injuries this season, with key players like Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Javon Hargrave all facing various setbacks. Hargrave’s recent injury, a partially torn triceps requiring surgery, is expected to end his season. Shanahan acknowledged the significant impact of losing Hargrave, who had been performing impressively and was poised for a standout year.
In addition to Hargrave, quarterback Brock Purdy is nursing a sore back following a recent loss. While an MRI showed no major concerns, Purdy’s status remains day-to-day. On a positive note, the 49ers anticipate Kittle’s return this week after he missed time due to a hamstring injury. The team is still awaiting updates on linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who is projected to make a comeback in the latter half of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl.
As the 49ers navigate a challenging start to the season marred by injuries, the team remains focused on managing setbacks and supporting players in their recovery journeys.
