Reporter reveals when 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey could return

"McCaffrey traveled to Germany to receive treatment on his Achilles," Rapoport said Sunday on "NFL GameDay Morning." "My understanding is now that he is back in the United States, it seems like the treatment went well. There is a chance he could run on hard, ground grass this week, which would be a step forward."  

Per NFL.com's Jeremy Bergman, McCaffrey probably won't return until Week 10 at the earliest. Still, the injury update seems like good news for the 49ers. Achilles injuries often end a player's season, and it sounded like the RB wasn't making much progress.

Nick Wagoner of ESPN reported that San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan first announced McCaffrey was dealing with a calf issue on Aug. 6. He missed the rest of training camp but returned to practice before San Francisco's season opener against the New York Jets. 

However, McCaffrey was sidelined in Week 1, and Shanahan revealed he was dealing with an Achilles issue. The three-time Pro Bowler returned to practice but was placed on IR after Shanahan said he had his "worst day" on Sept. 12.

During McCaffrey's absence, 49ers third-year RB Jordan Mason has emerged as a viable option. Through three games, the former undrafted free agent leads the NFL in carries (67), ranks second in rushing yards (324) and is tied for 10th in rushing TDs (two).

While Mason has looked like a quality starter, he may not be of the same caliber as McCaffrey. Last season, the 28-year-old won 2023 Offensive Player of the Year after he rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards and 14 TDs on 272 carries in 16 regular-season games. 

Plus, the 49ers' injury report keeps growing, contributing to the defending NFC champions' underwhelming 1-2 start. Along with McCaffrey, San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf) and tight end George Kittle (hamstring) have missed one game this season.