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Christian McCaffrey has not played in the 2024 season because of an Achilles injury. But his floundering San Francisco 49ers badly need him for a marquee Super Bowl LVIII rematch against the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, and he looks primed for a return to the field.
That was the notion that his wife, Olivia Culpo, shared on Wednesday. In an Instagram story, she shared a short video of the reigning Offensive Player of the Year swimming:
"Flipper boy is back"
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In McCaffrey's absence, the 49ers have been led on the ground by Jordan Mason, who has had 609 yards and three touchdowns on 114 carries. All his scores came in the games where he had at least 100 rushing yards. He has also caught eight passes for 106 yards.
Insider gives take on Christian McCaffrey’s return timeframe
There is much speculation about when Christian McCaffrey will return to the field. But while the most optimistic want him to play against the Chiefs, one person sees this as far-fetched.
On Thursday, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco visited Rich Eisen’s eponymous show to discuss the most important 49ers topics of the week.
When asked about the running back’s return timetable, he said he did not foresee him returning to the field on Sunday (0:15) :
“He’s eligible to come off of injured reserve, but he has bilateral tendonitis, meaning both legs. He went to Germany for some treatment, seems to be responding well to that, but it’s not about this game or the next. They want him ready to go late in the season… Assuming they make the playoffs, they want him at his best.”
That would normally mean another start for Jordan Mason, but he has a shoulder injury.
When asked whether it would happen, Maiocco was skeptical (1:16):
“It’s a little iffy. He’s been out at practice, limited practice. He’s been wearing a blue jersey that signifies no contact. I think that’s going to be kind of touch-and-go… The ten days off is certainly a bonus for him. I think there’s a pretty good chance that he’s out there.”
The other two running backs on the 49ers’ active roster are Patrick Taylor and Isaac Guerendo. Ke’Sahwn Vaughn can also be potentially elevated from the active roster.
