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The injury situation for 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey keeps getting worse. Initially, McCaffrey was sidelined during the preseason due to a calf injury, but it wasn’t expected to affect his regular-season games. He was listed as “questionable” for San Francisco’s Week 1 game against the Jets, and most signs pointed to him being ready for the season opener.
However, in a surprising twist, McCaffrey was ruled out for that game and added a new concern to his injury report: an Achilles issue. Just days later, the 49ers placed him on injured reserve (IR), confirming that his leg injury was more serious than originally thought.
Now, McCaffrey is reportedly flying to Germany to consult with a specialist about his Achilles tendinitis, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He is expected to remain overseas for a few days to undergo evaluation, which is not a great sign for his immediate return.
The injury has evolved from a minor calf problem to a more concerning calf and Achilles issue. At 28, McCaffrey was coming off the best season of his career, but his absence is being felt as the 49ers have dropped to 1-2 on the season, losing to the Vikings and Rams in consecutive weeks.
The 49ers face the Patriots in Week 4, but McCaffrey’s status remains uncertain. He’s out through Week 4 at the earliest, and his trip to Germany suggests that his return might not be anytime soon. San Francisco will likely provide more updates after their matchup with New England.