The San Francisco 49ers have been without superstar running back Christian McCaffrey for the first four games of this season due to an Achilles injury. After it appeared he was going to play in Week 1, McCaffrey was held out and then put on IR before the 49ers' second game of the season due to Achilles tendinitis.

Ahead of the 49ers' Week 4 matchup with the New England Patriots, McCaffrey took a trip to Germany to see a specialist about his injury. As it turns out, McCaffrey was receiving treatment for bilateral Achilles tendinitis, meaning that he has the injury in both of his feet, according to Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports on his podcast, 49ers Talk.

Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team posted the news on X, formerly Twitter.

“49ers RB Christian McCaffrey has been dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, meaning he has the tendinitis in both legs, per
@MaioccoNBCS,” Meirov wrote. “He went to Germany to get treatment done on the injury.”

Article Continues Below
More San Francisco 49ers News
Oct 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Kyle Shanahan implores QBs to throw interceptions at OTAsMike Gianakos ·
The 49ers have three sleepers worth watching this season.
3 San Francisco 49ers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonLorenzo J Reyna ·
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
49ers’ Kyle Shanahan gives minicamp injury update for 1st-round pickGuillermo Guajardo ·
Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Trent Williams makes guarantee for ‘Cinderella story’ Brock PurdyMike Gianakos ·
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) blocks against New York Jets defensive end Will McDonald IV (99) during the third quarter at Levi's Stadium. Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
49ers Trent Williams makes bold retirement declarationJake Faigus ·
image thumbnail
2 49ers veterans whose roles will be pushed by rookies in 2025Douglas Fritz ·

The 49ers have been dealing with a plethora of injuries so far this season, especially to their playmakers on offense. George Kittle and Deebo Samuel have both missed time, and Trent Williams and Brock Purdy have been battling through some ailments to play in recent weeks.

Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers have been going with Jordan Mason at running back in McCaffrey's absence. Mason has played very well — 447 rushing yards and three touchdowns — but he doesn't provide the same explosiveness and versatility as McCaffrey does.

McCaffrey's ability to line up anywhere on the field and hurt the defense both as a runner and a receiver anywhere on the field is a massive weapon for Shanahan, who has become exceptional at utilizing that skillset to create consistent advantages for his offense.

The 49ers have done well to get back to 2-2, and now will take on the Arizona Cardinals at home in Week 5. While McCaffrey is still eligible to return in Week 6, concerning reports like these suggest that may not be the case.