The San Francisco 49ers are in unfamiliar territory, facing the daunting reality of potentially losing their star running back, Christian McCaffery, for a much longer stretch than anticipated. Placed on injured reserve nearly two weeks ago due to Achilles tendinitis, McCaffery has been sidelined for at least four games, but there is increasing concern that his absence could extend well beyond that.
On Monday night, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McCaffery would be traveling to Germany to meet with a specialist regarding his Achilles injury, causing speculation that his condition may be more serious than initially thought. It’s not unusual for athletes to seek out specialized treatment in Europe, but the trip has sparked fears among 49ers fans that McCaffery’s injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan, when pressed for updates during a Wednesday media session, didn’t offer much reassurance.
“No update,” Shanahan said via Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. “I haven’t talked to him.”
When asked if there was a possibility McCaffery might not play for the rest of the season, Shanahan’s response was far from confident: “Not that I know of.”
The 49ers, off to a 1-2 start, have been plagued by injuries across the board. In addition to McCaffery, other key offensive weapons—quarterback Brock Purdy (back), wide receiver Deebo Samuel (calf), and tight end George Kittle (hamstring)—have all appeared on the injury report early this season. However, none of their injuries appear to be as concerning as McCaffery’s Achilles issue.
While the severity of McCaffery’s injury remains unclear, third-year running back Jordan Mason has been a bright spot in his absence. Mason has stepped into the starting role and performed admirably, rushing for 324 yards and two touchdowns through the first three games. His presence has provided some stability to a backfield that desperately needs it.
Even with Mason’s strong performances, the uncertainty surrounding McCaffery looms large. McCaffery has a history of injury issues, and the 49ers’ offense, built around his versatility and playmaking ability, may struggle without him. The team is preparing to host the New England Patriots (1-2) in Week 4, but they’ll do so without their star running back, whose future availability remains uncertain.
For now, 49ers fans can only hope McCaffery’s visit to the specialist provides a clearer path forward, but the unease surrounding his injury suggests that this could be another chapter in his battle with health concerns.
