NFL Trade Rumors: San Francisco 49ers Running Back Christian McCaffrey's Return Timeline Revealed

The San Francisco 49ers could get their superstar back very soon. While appearing on Good Morning Football, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport suggested there was "a very good chance" that Christian McCaffrey would be back on the field when the 49ers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10.

From @GMFB: While #49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk is out, the #49ers could have two key skill players on Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/YXawbbzl1i
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 25, 2024

McCaffrey has missed seven straight games with Achilles tendonitis after being a surprise inactive in Week 1. The 49ers have a huge matchup on Sunday Night Football against the Dallas Cowboys this week, and they follow that up with a bye in Week 9.

The 49ers have run the ball exceptionally well in McCaffrey's absence. Backup Jordan Mason has averaged an impressive 95.3 rushing yards per game and 5.2 yards per attempt through seven games. The 49ers offense has also averaged a respectable 25.7 points per game, eighth best in the league.

That being said, the 49ers could use McCaffrey's singular ability as a receiver out of the backfield. Wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings have all missed time this season, and Aiyuk is out for the year following an ACL tear in Week 7. The 49ers need pass catchers, and McCaffrey's 47.5 receiving yards per game and 6.9 yards per target over his career are irreplaceable at the running back position.

The 49ers have stumbled to a 3-4 record over the first seven weeks of the season, and they're coming off a particularly disheartening 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Thankfully, the NFC West hasn't pulled away from them. The Seattle Seahawks currently hold the division lead at 4-3, and the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams are both 3-4. If McCaffrey can hit the ground running, the 49ers will have every chance to get back in the Super Bowl hunt.