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San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has yet to play in 2024 as he deals with Achilles tendonitis.
Could McCaffrey be nearing a return to the field, though? What does the future hold for this NFL running back?
When is McCaffrey coming back to action? What is his fantasy football outlook when he returns? Let's dive in.
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Christian McCaffrey Injury Update for Fantasy Football
In 2023, Christian McCaffrey won Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 1,459 yards and adding 564 receiving yards for the 49ers. He scored an NFL-best 21 touchdowns, but he has yet to make his 2024 debut because of Achilles tendonitis.
McCaffrey ended up going to Germany to seek treatment, which McCaffrey and the 49ers hope can get him back on the field soon.
🚨 UPDATE #49ers are expected to open the 21- day practice window after the bye week for Christian McCaffrey pic.twitter.com/edTn6aUckV
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) October 17, 2024
The 49ers have not reopened McCaffrey's practice window, so he remains on the Injured Reserve. That would indicate that McCaffrey won't be back, at least for Week 7. The team has a bye in Week 9, so a return after that would make the most sense.
Christian McCaffrey Fantasy Football Outlook
Jordan Mason has run the ball really well in McCaffrey's place, gaining 609 yards on the ground through six games. He's proven to be a strong replacement for McCaffrey and will certainly have a role even when the star running back returns.
But make no mistake about it: a healthy Christian McCaffrey is the best weapon in the NFL. Mason cutting into his work and the team potentially playing things safe with him could keep him from being the overall RB1 in points per game in the second half of the year, but he is still a strong RB1 option.
Christian McCaffrey could be a fantasy football league winner.
— Jeff Bell (@4WhomJBellTolls) October 16, 2024
Fantasy managers likely spent the 1.01 pick on McCaffrey this year and have been disappointed to have him languishing on the bench or in the IR slot. Getting him back for the stretch run won't make up for missing him for most of the season, but it will be a good consolation prize.
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