49ers HC Kyle Shanahan provides another unfortunate injury update on Christian McCaffrey

Christian McCaffrey's injury saga continues. And unfortunately, there is more bad news for the San Francisco 49ers.

On Friday, following the 49ers' 36-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the media and provided an update on the team's running back position.

Shanahan told reporters that McCaffrey, who has not played this season and is currently on injured reserve, will not open his practice window this week. That obviously rules him out for the big game in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. It also means he is still a long way from returning to the field.

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McCaffrey suffered a calf strain at the start of training camp and was out for the entire preseason. While there was initial optimism that he would be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, McCaffrey was ruled out just hours before the team's opener Monday night against the New York Jets.

Then, before the team's Week 2 game against the Minnesota Vikings, McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve, meaning he would be out for at least a month.

A month has now passed and McCaffrey is currently cleared to practice again. However, he is clearly not ready for it yet.

McCaffrey's initial injury in training camp has become aggravated as he is suffering from Achilles tendonitis in both Achilles tendons. McCaffrey traveled to Germany to see a specialist as the team does everything it can to get its star back on the field.

Unfortunately, he will not return in Week 7 and the team will not open their practice window until Week 8 at the earliest.

McCaffrey is coming off a 2023 season in which he won the Offensive Player of the Year award and led the league in total touchdowns (339), yards from scrimmage (2,023), and total rushing and receiving touchdowns (21st). ) states. He established himself as the league's best running back in San Francisco's offense, and the team went just 3-3 without him that season.

The running game hasn't suffered too much, as Jordan Mason currently leads the NFL in rushing attempts (114) and rushing yards (609). However, Mason also suffered an injury in Week 6, jeopardizing his status for Week 7.

Read more: Update on serious injury to 49ers RB Jordan Mason

However, McCaffrey's impact on the passing game is definitely being felt, and the 49ers will continue to play without their No. 1 weapon. Hopefully the team can open his practice window before Week 8 so he can return midseason around Week 9 or 10.

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