Christian McCaffrey ‘hasn’t had any setbacks’ in rehabbing from Achilles tendon injury, says 49ers HC | News, results, highlights, stats and gossip

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan provided a promising update on injured running back Christian McCaffrey during a Tuesday interview with KNBR, suggesting he remains on track to return to practice after this week’s bye.

“We hope this happens,” he said (h/t Kyle Bonilla 49ers internet zone). “It’s been such a trend since we shut it down and we’ve gone through really slow steps. This is getting to the point. He hasn’t had any setbacks and hopefully he’ll have a really good week and we can get him in training next week, which would obviously be huge for us.”

McCaffrey (28) missed the entire 2024 season and has been on the reserve since September 14 due to bilateral Achilles tendinitis. That kept one of the NFL’s most dynamic quarterbacks off the field.

In his absence – and with Elijah Mitchell sidelined for the season with a hamstring issue – the Niners were forced to rely on the likes of Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo on defense, while winger Deebo Samuel also contributed as a dual-threat option .

The team’s famous, fast attack did not bring much effect. Mason rushed for 685 yards and three touchdowns, Guerendo added 227 yards and one score, and his 159 yards per game ranked fourth in the NFL behind the Baltimore Ravens (200 YPG), Philadelphia Eagles (165.9 YPG) and Washington Commanders (165.8 YPG).

However, McCaffrey is almost as dynamic a receiver as he is a runner, and San Francisco has struggled all season with injuries to Brandon Aiyuk (one year out with a torn anterior cruciate ligament), Samuel and Jauan Jennings. Rookie Ricky Pearsall also missed the first six games of the season as he recovered from gunshot wounds.

In other words, the Niners are plagued by injuries and a team with Super Bowl aspirations started the season with a 4-4 record. However, with a Week 9 bye looming, the team will have a chance to get a little healthier.

McCaffrey appears to be on track to potentially return for the Week 10 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His return will be welcomed by quarterback Brock Purdy, whose supporting cast has been decimated by injuries this season.