Is Christian McCaffrey ruled out for the season? Latest on 49ers RB for Fantasy Football Week 4

Christian McCaffrey has not played a single snap of football in the 2024 NFL season. The perennial Pro Bowler has been plagued by Achilles tendinitis since early August. However, he hasn't been ruled out for the season yet.

Let's see whether McCaffrey will be available for selection in Week 4 before the San Francisco 49ers' game against the New England Patriots.

Christian McCaffrey's injury update for Week 4

According to Adam Schefter, Christian McCaffrey is seeing a specialist in Germany regarding his Achilles tendinitis. The three-time first-team All-Pro running back will spend multiple days in Germany.

McCaffrey recorded the most fantasy football points per contest (24.5) and the third-most fantasy football points overall (391) among all players in 2023. He ranked inside the top three fantasy producers at the running back position in almost every statistical category at rushing yards (1,459, RB1), receiving yards (564, RB2), evaded tackles (77, RB1) and total touchdowns (21, RB1).

However, his continued absence this season has affected fantasy football managers who picked him early in drafts. It remains to be seen whether he returns to action before the end of the regular season or whether it's a lost year for fantasy football managers with him headlining their rosters.

McCaffrey's injury issues are a painful reminder of the dicey nature of high-volume running backs in the NFL. McCaffrey has been healthy for most of his time in San Francisco but suffered two injury-riddled seasons while with the Carolina Panthers.

Such unpredictability with the position has led to franchises being reluctant to invest significant finances in veteran running backs. Instead, they prefer to draft the next young RB after a three or four-year cycle.

When could Christian McCaffrey be back in action?

Christian McCaffrey has missed three games this season due to his injury issues. However, he must remain sidelined on the injured reserve for at least two more games.

The general belief is that McCaffrey will be out until at least Week 6 and sometime after that. In the meantime, the San Francisco 49ers will keep rolling with breakout running back Jordan Mason as their primary ball carrier.

Kyle Shanahan must now find ways to win without last season's Offensive Player of the Year, pending his full recovery from injury.