When will Christian McCaffrey return? Latest injury updates on 49ers RB

When he's healthy, San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is one of the best offensive players in the league. "When he's healthy" is a caveat that has come up as an issue for the running back and his team this year.

In early August, about one week into training camp, the 49ers announced that McCaffrey was dealing with an injury to his calf and Achilles. In the seven weeks since, McCaffrey's injury has kept him out of essentially all activities with the 49ers.

He missed every preseason game, and after the first week of the regular season, San Francisco placed him on injured reserve. An attempt to be a limited participant in practice ahead of Week 2 proved too much for McCaffrey, and now he'll miss at least two more games.

Here are the latest McCaffrey injury updates ahead of the 49ers' Week 4 game against the New England Patriots.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY: 49ers to place RB on injured reserve

When was Christian McCaffrey's injury?

The 49ers initially reported McCaffrey was dealing with a calf and Achilles injury near the start of training camp on Aug. 6. Even then, San Francisco acknowledged the possibility the star running back could end up needing a stint on the injured reserve.

McCaffrey attempted to be a limited participant in practice ahead of the 49ers' Week 2 game with the Minnesota Vikings, and he experienced his "worst day" of pain doing so.

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Christian McCaffrey update

Two weeks ago, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told the media that McCaffrey experienced the most pain he'd had during one practice ahead of the team's Week 2 game. Shortly after, San Francisco placed McCaffrey on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss a minimum of four games.

Multiple reports have indicated that it would be a surprise if the 49ers' running back is able to return as early as possible, which would be the Week 6 "Thursday Night Football" clash with the Seattle Seahawks on Oct. 10. It's possible, if not likely, McCaffrey will miss more than four games.

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the running back sought out an Achilles tendinitis expert in Germany.

49ers running back depth chart

With McCaffrey injured and usual backup Elijah Mitchell out for the season with a hamstring injury, former undrafted free agent Jordan Mason has filled the starting role for the 49ers. He's backed up by 2024 fourth-round pick Isaac Guerendo.

Mason is second only to Saquon Barkley in rushing yards this season, with 324 yards on the ground through three weeks.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When will Christian McCaffrey return? Latest updates for 49ers RB