The injury updates continue to get worse for 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey was initially ruled out for the preseason due to a calf injury, but the ailment was not originally expected to cost him any regular-season time. He was listed as “questionable” for San Francisco’s Week 1 matchup with the Jets, but all signs pointed to McCaffrey being available for the season opener.
In a shocking turn of events, the 2023 AP Offensive Player of the Year was ruled out for the game and added an unknown Achilles issue to the injury report.
Days later, the 49ers placed McCaffrey on the injured reserve list, revealing that his leg ailment was more severe than initially suggested.
Now, he is reportedly flying to Germany to see a specialist for his Achilles. The Sporting News has you covered with the latest McCaffrey updates below.
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Why is Christian McCaffrey going to Germany?
McCaffrey is going to Germany to visit a specialist “to see what is wrong with his Achilles tendinitis,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
49ers RB Christian McCaffrey is consulting an expert in Germany about his Achilles tendonitis.@AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/l0dWfxuRqF
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 23, 2024
McCaffrey is expected to remain in Germany for a few days as he undergoes the evaluation.
That is not an encouraging update on McCaffrey’s health status, to say the least.
The star running back’s injury has progressed from a minor calf injury to both a calf and Achilles injury. Each report continues to trend in the wrong direction.
The 28-year-old is coming off the best season of his career and San Francisco is feeling his absence, among other key players. The 49ers fell to 1-2 on the season on Sunday, suffering back-to-back losses to the Vikings and Rams in Weeks 2 and 3.
Their next matchup will come against the Patriots in Week 4 on Sunday.
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How long is Christian McCaffrey out?
The 49ers placed the star running back on the IR, so he will be out through Week 4 at the earliest.
The team sending him overseas for an Achilles tendinitis evaluation is not a promising sign for his immediate return, though.
Expect San Francisco to provide another update on McCaffrey’s future availability after its Week 4 meeting with New England following his trip to Germany.
