49ers Eyeing Week 10 Return For RB Christian McCaffrey

OCTOBER 28: While the 49ers are on their bye this week, McCaffrey will “hit it hard” and simulate a practice to determine how close he is to a return, Shanahan told reporters (via The Athletic’s Matt Barrows). If McCaffrey can exit those simulated sessions without any pain, then the 49ers would plan to open the RB’s practice window next Monday. The team would then give McCaffrey a full week of real practice before activating him to the roster ahead of Week 10.

OCTOBER 21: While a definitive activation date hasn’t been set, it sounds like Christian McCaffrey is getting closer to his return. Coach Kyle Shanahan said there’s “hope” that the star RB could make his return following the team’s bye (per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). That Week 10 target would be dependent on McCaffrey’s continued progress in his recovery from Achilles and calf issues.

While the coach acknowledged that the running back hasn’t experienced any setbacks, he also admitted that it’d be a surprise if McCaffrey returns to practice this week and plays against the Cowboys on Sunday. A post-bye return to practice would provide the All-Pro RB with another two weeks of recovery time, and considering the performance of fill-in Jordan Mason, it’s not a surprise the organization is opting to take it slow.

McCaffrey went to Germany last month to seek treatment on his Achilles tendinitis, a lingering issue that has affected both of the player’s lower limbs. The trip apparently had a positive impact, as the RB was spotted taking part in light on-field work earlier this month. After sitting out the season opener, McCaffrey landed on IR prior to Week 2, so he was only recently eligible for activation.

The 49ers have been snake bitten by injuries this season, with Brandon Aiyuk‘s season-ending ACL tear being the latest inclusion on a long list of ailments. Despite sitting at 3-4, the defensive NFC champs only sit a game behind Seattle in the NFC West standings. If McCaffrey is indeed able to return for Week 10, he’ll provide an instant spark as the 49ers look to make a postseason push.

Speaking of absences, Deebo Samuel exited yesterday’s loss to the Chiefs after getting into only four snaps. Shanahan has since revealed that the wide receiver has since been hospitalized with fluid in his lungs, which Matt Barrows of The Athletic notes is technically pneumonia. Shanahan noted that Samuel’s illness first popped up on Sunday morning, and after the receiver was struggling to breathe during the early portion of yesterday’s game, it was decided the player should exit the contest (per Barrows).

Shanahan also said he’s unsure when Samuel will be able to return to the lineup. When coupled with Aiyuk’s season-ending injury, this could make the 49ers especially light at WR this weekend. Jauan Jennings had a standout Week 3 performance and should lead the depth chart, although the veteran missed yesterday’s game with a hip issue. Ricky Pearsall should also have an opportunity for a significant role. After getting shot in the chest in early September, the first-round rookie made his season debut yesterday, hauling in three catches while getting into 48 snaps.