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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is a future Hall of Famer and one of the top running backs in NFL history. Unfortunately, he has struggled with injuries throughout his career.
The former Stanford star missed 13 games in 2020 and 10 games in 2021 because of injuries after leading the league with 403 touches and 2,392 scrimmage yards in 2019. Last year, McCaffrey led the NFL with 339 touches and 2,023 scrimmage yards.
Unfortunately, the superstar running back suffered a calf injury early in training camp. While Kyle Shanahan swore McCaffrey would play in Week 1, the veteran running back hasn’t played in a game this season.
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When Is Christian McCaffrey Coming Back?
UPDATE: New reports from the San Francisco Chronicle's Eric Branch speculate that McCaffrey will be sidelined for "probably closer to a couple of months" after his recent visit to a specialist in Germany.
Many believe McCaffrey re-injured his calf in the days leading up to the Week 1 matchup against the New York Jets. Unfortunately, the superstar running back is dealing with Achilles tendinitis, giving 49er fans and fantasy players nightmares. He is at significant risk of severely injuring his Achilles, leading to the team placing him on injured reserve a few weeks ago.
McCaffrey is visiting a specialist in Germany about his Achilles tendinitis. Hopefully, the veteran running back can get the treatment needed to play at a high level later this season. However, fantasy players are stuck between a rock and a hard place with the future Hall of Famer.
Orthobiologics expert: Christian McCaffrey will likely be sidelined for at least a month and “probably closer to a couple of months” after seeing specialist in Germany.https://t.co/HMtyH54gIV #49ers pic.twitter.com/T0diFF1EQ6
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) September 26, 2024
What Should Fantasy Players Do With Christian McCaffrey?
Hopefully, fantasy players drafted Jordan Mason in the double-digit round after taking McCaffrey with a top-two pick. Those fantasy players can wait until the superstar running back is healthy. However, what should fantasy players without Mason do with McCaffrey?
Fantasy players with a 2-1 record or 3-0 record likely can wait out the storm until the superstar returns. Many believe the soonest he will play is in Week 10 after the 49ers’ bye week. Meanwhile, fantasy players with a winning record should explore trading for McCaffrey, especially if their league mate has a 0-3 record and is in a must-win situation in Week 4.
Christian McCaffrey
Seeking medical expertise for calf/achilles in Germany.
Expected return is most likely Week 10, after Week 9 bye.
Will be a Top 3 RB when back.
Perfect roster addition for fantasy football playoffs.
THE trade target for 3-0 teams.pic.twitter.com/c412P6XsGP
— Joe Orrico (@NoExpertFF) September 25, 2024
Similarly, fantasy players with a losing record should explore trade options for the veteran running back. McCaffrey will do your team no good when he returns in Week 10 if you have a 3-7 record and are out of the playoff race.
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