When is Christian McCaffrey expected to return from injury? Everything we know about 49ers RB's status

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been dealing with Achilles tendinitis that kept him sidelined to start the season. It prompted the team to place him on injured reserve, meaning he'll miss at least four weeks of action.

In his quest to find a solution to this situation, McCaffrey traveled to Germany last week to see a specialist on this type of injury. Orthobiologics specialist Kenton Fibel, speaking to the San Francisco Chronicle, believes that McCaffrey will miss 'a couple of months' following his trip to Europe and the treatment he got from the specialist.

This isn't an update about McCaffrey's injury, but an opinion from a professional. It's well-known that CMC is an integral part of the 49ers' potential success this season, but his body has bothered him, making him unable to get snaps with the rest of the team.

On Sunday, September 29, NFL insider Ian Rapoport had this to say about McCaffrey's return timeline:

"My understanding: Now that he is back in the United States, it seems like the treatment went well. There is a chance he could run on hard ground this week which would be a step forward. For those worried about McCaffrey not playing at all this year, my understanding is the 49ers are not rushing him but they do expect him back at least by early November."

More than this, the Niners are dealing with an injury crisis that includes stars Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams and even Brock Purdy. The Super Bowl LVIII runners-up were widely regarded as the team to beat in the NFC this year, but several factors haven't played in their favor.

If Christian McCaffrey doesn't return to the field this season, it'll be harder to see them making the same run they had last year.

Who is replacing Christian McCaffrey in the 49ers backfield?

While Christian McCaffrey keeps looking for solutions for his injury, the 49ers appear to have found a solid replacement for the former Carolina Panthers star. Jordan Mason, a 25-year-old running back, has filled in for CMC, posting intriguing numbers in the first three games of the season.

First, he dominated the New York Jets defense with 147 rushing yards and a touchdown in 28 carries. His run continued against the Minnesota Vikings, recording 100 rushing yards and a touchdown in 20 carries, although the Niners lost that game. Last week, his production decreased a little, posting 77 rushing yards on 19 carries in the dramatic loss to the Rams.

Mason has settled in with the team seamlessly, and while McCaffrey remains an elite running back in the league, fans know the new guy can hold his own. The 49ers are set to face the New England Patriots this Sunday, hoping to get back to winning ways at home.