Christian McCaffrey

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes it’s a “long shot” for Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) to return by Week 6.

McCaffrey flew to Germany this week to seek medical care for his lingering calf and Achilles injury after the Niners put him on IR on September 14. While McCaffrey could technically return to action by Week 6, Fowler sees that as unlikely. NFL Network reported last week that CMC could be sidelined until around midseason. It looks like Jordan Mason will operate as the 49ers’ lead back for at least the next month or two. It’s anyone’s guess as to what kind of workload McCaffrey, 28, will see once he returns to the field.