Report: McCaffrey dealing with tendinitis issue in both legs

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Report: 49ers' Christian McCaffrey dealing with tendinitis issue in both legs

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Sep 30, 2024 6:24 PM ET

The news just seems to get worse and worse for the San Francisco 49ers and running back Christian McCaffrey.

According to NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco, McCaffrey is dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis — meaning he has the calf injury that's kept him from taking the field since February in both legs. Maiocco revealed the rusher's updated condition Sunday night on the "49ers Talk Podcast."

McCaffrey reportedly flew to Germany to meet with specialists to aid in his recovery and is targeting a return to game action in November.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport discussed the medical trip overseas Sunday morning, saying "It seemed like the treatment went well."

From @NFLGameDay: #49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is back from Germany and could run on hard ground this week. He should be back, at least, by early November; Meanwhile, #Chiefs TE Travis Kelce remains a key part of their offense, despite the numbers. pic.twitter.com/AftUY2lQn9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 29, 2024

"There is a chance he can run on hard ground grass this week which would be a step forward," Rapoport said Sunday morning. "For those worried about McCaffrey not playing at all this year, my understanding is the 49ers are not rushing him but do expect him back by early November, so that is a good sign."

San Francisco is off to a rocky 2-2 start to the 2024 campaign without their star rusher, with Sunday's 30-13 win over the New England Patriots the team now has a 42-46 all-time record when McCaffrey does not play, per StatMuse.

There are four more games the team will have to go without McCaffrey before his targeted November return, including a rematch with back-to-back Super Bowl champions Kansas City on Oct. 20.

The 49ers will have to keep relying on backup Jordan Mason (447 yards, three TDs on 91 carries through four games) in its bid to reach the postseason again.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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