October 28: Although the 49ers are on a bye this week, Christian McCaffrey plans to “hit it hard” with a simulated practice to gauge his readiness for a return, head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows).
If McCaffrey completes these sessions pain-free, the team intends to open his practice window next Monday, giving him a full week of real practice before potentially activating him for Week 10.
October 21: While there’s no set date for his return, it appears that McCaffrey is nearing a comeback.
Shanahan mentioned there’s “hope” for the star running back to return following the bye week (according to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner).
That Week 10 goal will depend on his recovery progress from Achilles and calf injuries.
The coach noted that McCaffrey hasn’t faced any setbacks but expressed doubt that he would return to practice this week and play against the Cowboys on Sunday.
A post-bye practice would give McCaffrey an additional two weeks of recovery, and given the performance of replacement Jordan Mason, it’s understandable the team is proceeding cautiously.
McCaffrey traveled to Germany last month for treatment on his Achilles tendinitis, a persistent issue affecting both legs.
The trip reportedly had a positive effect, as McCaffrey was seen doing light on-field work earlier this month. Having missed the season opener and then landing on IR before Week 2, McCaffrey has only recently become eligible for activation.
The 49ers have had several injuries this season, with Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending ACL tear being the latest blow.
Despite a 3-4 record, the defending NFC champions are only a game behind Seattle in the NFC West. If McCaffrey returns in Week 10, he could provide a much-needed boost for a postseason push.
In other injury news, Deebo Samuel left Sunday’s game against the Chiefs after playing only four snaps.
Shanahan revealed Samuel was hospitalized with fluid in his lungs, which The Athletic’s Matt Barrows reports is technically pneumonia.
Samuel’s symptoms emerged Sunday morning, and after struggling to breathe early in the game, he was taken out as a precaution.
Shanahan is uncertain when Samuel will return. Coupled with Aiyuk’s season-ending injury, the 49ers could be thin at wide receiver this weekend.
Jauan Jennings, who had a standout game in Week 3, is expected to lead the depth chart, though he missed Sunday’s game with a hip injury.
Ricky Pearsall, meanwhile, could see an expanded role.
The first-round rookie, who suffered a gunshot wound to the chest in early September, made his season debut on Sunday, logging three catches and 48 snaps.
