The San Francisco 49ers have high hopes going into the 2024 season as they try to win the championship after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in overtime in the Super Bowl. But when standout running back Christian McCaffrey had to miss the 49ers’ season opener against the New York Jets due to Achilles inflammation, the team suffered a major blow.McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve ahead of the team’s match in Week 2.

Although McCaffrey, an eight-year veteran, is eligible to play again when the 49ers host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 6, the team will not activate him for that contest, as Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. There is still no clear timeline for McCaffrey’s return; according to Schefter, he may return as early as Week 7 or San Francisco might decide to keep him out until the team’s Week 9 bye.

McCaffrey had missed preseason play due to a calf issue. He looked like he would be ready to participate in the first game of the season, but he was forced to scratch due to Achilles tendonitis. Following his IR placement, McCaffrey journeyed to Germany in order to consult with a medical professional regarding his injuries. He was actually suffering from bilateral Achilles tendonitis.

Following the trip to Germany, John Lynch, general manager of San Francisco, gave an update on McCaffrey’s injury, stating that the goal was always to ease him back in. If that’s the case, it’s likely that the offensive player of the year winner won’t play again until Week 10, following the 49ers’ bye.

The 28-year-old running back has been among the league’s top offensive performers ever since he put on the red and gold. Since joining the team, he has guided the 49ers to a 22-5 regular season record and assisted San Francisco in winning the Conference Championship game the previous season.

The 49ers are 2-2 this season without McCaffrey on the field, one game behind the Seahawks in first place in the NFC West. Backup RB Jordan Mason, however, has stepped in well for McCaffrey since Week 1. Through four games this season, he has 91 carries for 447 yards and three touchdowns. Mason has also added six airborne receptions for 57 yards.

In Week 5, the 49ers will travel to San Francisco to play the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals. Debo Samuel and George Kittle were back for the 49ers’ Week 4 game against the New England Patriots after missing the team’s Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Rams. The team is hoping that until McCaffrey is ready for his eagerly anticipated season debut, its offense can hold its own.