Christian McCaffrey

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said the team plans to open Christian McCaffrey’s (Achilles) 21-day return window next week.

Shanahan said McCaffrey is going to “hit it hard” this week and run through some simulated practices during the team’s bye week. It’s been reported for weeks that Week 10 looks like the targeted return day for McCaffrey. The team’s decision to open his return window next Monday is another step toward that, but the team could still hold him out through Week 12 if they determine he is not yet ready to return to the field. We’ll see how things go once the Niners return from their bye, but they’re clearly laying the groundwork for his return.