Concerns are growing around San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey as he continues to deal with a lingering Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined for the first three weeks of the season. McCaffrey, who has been suffering from Achilles tendinitis, is now heading to Germany to seek specialized treatment in hopes of accelerating his recovery.
McCaffrey initially sustained the injury during training camp in the offseason and missed four weeks of practice before attempting a limited return ahead of the 49ers’ season opener against the New York Jets. However, he was a late scratch for that game and has not returned to the field since, leaving many wondering when, or if, he will be back this season.
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that McCaffrey is traveling to Europe for further evaluation and treatment. “I know he’s going to see a specialist that I believe can help him with his Achilles process,” Shanahan said during a press conference on Monday. “I think he’s doing that over these next few days, and hopefully, it’ll help.”
McCaffrey’s trip to Germany has sparked additional concern about the severity of his injury. Achilles tendinitis is often a slow-healing injury, and McCaffrey’s decision to seek advanced treatment abroad suggests that traditional therapies in the United States may not have been effective enough to ensure a quick return.
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Jesse Morse, a sports medicine physician who specializes in player injuries, weighed in on the situation via social media, offering a sobering perspective on McCaffrey’s decision to seek treatment overseas. “If your injury is straightforward, you don’t go to Germany,” Morse wrote, hinting that McCaffrey may be pursuing more experimental or advanced therapies that are not readily available in the U.S.
According to Morse, McCaffrey could be undergoing cutting-edge treatments involving stem cells or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, both of which are popular in Europe for speeding up recovery from soft tissue injuries. There’s also a concern that McCaffrey may have deeper structural issues with his Achilles tendon, which could complicate his recovery timeline.
Morse’s biggest concern is that without proper treatment, McCaffrey could be at risk of tearing his Achilles, a catastrophic injury that could sideline him for an extended period. He also suggested that while McCaffrey may be targeting a Week 6 return to action, it’s highly unlikely that he’ll be ready by then. “I do not think a Week 6 return is realistic for Christian McCaffrey,” Morse stated. “Best case scenario, in my opinion, is him returning between Week 8-10.”
Morse didn’t rule out the possibility that McCaffrey could miss the entire regular season, only returning for the playoffs if the 49ers make a deep run. “There is a scenario where he doesn’t return for the regular season but could play in the NFL playoffs,” Morse added. “Feeling the need to go to Germany is a really big deal for the severity of his Achilles issues and doesn’t bode well for 2024.”
The 49ers are certainly feeling the absence of McCaffrey, who was arguably the best player in the NFL last season. The 27-year-old had a standout year in 2023, amassing 2,023 total yards and 21 touchdowns, earning him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, as well as the coveted Offensive Player of the Year award. His ability to dominate both as a runner and receiver made him an irreplaceable weapon in San Francisco’s offense.
Without McCaffrey in the backfield, the 49ers have struggled to find their footing this season, starting with a 1-2 record. His absence has left a glaring hole in the team’s offense, and while backups have stepped in, no one has been able to replicate McCaffrey’s dynamic playmaking ability.
As McCaffrey seeks advanced treatment in Germany, the 49ers and their fans are left hoping that the trip will provide the answers needed to get their star running back back on the field. However, the timeline for his return remains uncertain, and the growing concerns around his Achilles only add to the anxiety surrounding his season and long-term future in the NFL.
Whether McCaffrey returns this year or not, his health will be a major storyline to watch as the season progresses.
