Schefter: 49ers’ Christian McCaffrey return timeline a ‘big question’ | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

At this point, there are more questions than answers when it comes to the schedule for San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.

“Questions remain about Christian McCaffrey,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday. “He is struggling with Achilles tendonitis in both legs. Both legs, not just one. This was an ongoing and recurring problem. So it remains a big question as to when McCaffrey will be back for the 49ers.”

General manager John Lynch addressed the situation during a hearing Look on KNBR on Friday (h/t NBC Sports Bay Area’s Ali Thanawalla) and called the injury “bilateral Achilles tendonitis” while explaining what the thought process led to the running back being placed on injured reserve.

“So the plan was to give him the time to do it,” he said. “And then at some point in a thoughtful way to get him going again. So whatever he does early on and wherever he goes, he has people working on his body and has been for a long time.”

“We are working and consulting with him about it, and now Christian is back here and at some point we will come back, we have to reach certain markers and we will try to ramp up, and God willing things have calmed down and we can him rebuild in a really smart and thoughtful way.”

McCaffrey has yet to play this season after being unstoppable as Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.

He helped lead the 49ers to the Super Bowl with 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns, and the team certainly expected and hoped for a similar performance this year. Instead, his situation is uncertain as the defending NFC champions try to build momentum with a 2-2 start.

The three-time Pro Bowler even flew to Germany to see a specialist for his Achilles tendon injury.

If there is one bright spot for the 49ers, it is the performance of backup Jordan Mason. Mason has represented McCaffrey brilliantly with 447 rushing yards, 57 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the first four games of the season.

He averages more than 100 yards per game on the ground and has kept the offense going despite some early injuries to McCaffrey, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel.

Still, San Francisco will be better equipped to pursue a second straight Super Bowl appearance if McCaffrey is healthy and on the field, even if he is part of a one-two punch with Mason. However, when that will happen is still a question mark ahead of Week 5.