Christian McCaffrey injury update: NFL insider details optimism for 49ers RB's return

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is yet to play this season and is reportedly suffering from bilateral Achilles tendonitis — meaning he has it in both legs. On Thursday, Albert Breer provided an update on McCaffrey’s recovery.

“Going back to August, when he started to feel like himself again, they ramped him up toward the opener against the Jets,” Breer said. “Ultimately, the Achilles flared up on him, so after the opener, they wound up shutting him down.

“He just started feeling like himself again last week, so they started to ramp him up over the last few days. The good news is that there’s been no flare ups. There’s been no setbacks. He feels good. So, the Niners are optimistic about where he is, but this is a scary deal for him. He’s determined to play this year. I’d say the next two or three weeks are critical.”

McCaffrey reportedly went to Germany to receive treatment for his condition earlier this year. The three-time Pro Bowler can’t return soon enough for the 49ers. Last season, McCaffrey had a record year, tallying a league-high 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.

The ground game wasn’t the only area McCaffrey found success. He also hauled in 67 catches for 564 yards and seven scores. In light of McCaffrey’s current predicament and injury-riddled past, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized the importance of protecting his star RB when he returns.

“We have to protect Christian from himself,” Shanahan said, per The Athletic. “He doesn’t like to ever come out no matter what the situation is and I do think that’s something we could protect him with more. When you are such a threat in the pass game, it’s a little bit different.

“But if he’s just taking the wear and tear with 20 carries and stuff every game – and he’s definitely good enough to do that and he has proved he can stay healthy – but you’d like to take some of that off of him and give it to other guys also.”

Although Christian McCaffrey’s condition is improving, he won’t be available for the 49ers on Thursday evening. The 49ers will square off against the Seattle Seahawks at 8:15 p.m. ET. The game will air live on Prime Video.