San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey is facing a troubling development in his recovery as he continues to struggle with a nagging Achilles injury.
On Monday, 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed to reporters that McCaffrey had traveled to Germany over the weekend to consult with a specialist regarding the injury. McCaffrey is expected to remain in Germany for several days this week as he undergoes further evaluation and treatment for the issue.
McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve last week after missing the 49ers’ season opener due to the ongoing leg problem.
RELATED: NFL Releases Statement Following Investigation into 49ers Handling of Christian McCaffrey Injury
His decision to seek out treatment abroad indicates that the injury may be more serious than initially thought. While he is eligible to return to the team as early as Week 6, his trip to see a specialist raises concerns about whether he will be physically ready to get back on the field by then.
The 49ers have described McCaffrey’s injury as Achilles tendinitis, initially downplaying it as a minor setback. However, the need for specialized treatment and his prolonged absence suggest that his recovery process may be more complicated than anticipated.
What once seemed like a short-term issue has now turned into a situation that could potentially sideline the star running back for a significant portion of the season, leaving both the team and fans uncertain about his timeline for return.