San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has been sidelined for the entire 2024 season so far because of bilateral Achilles tendinitis, a condition that has been difficult to manage and has kept him off the field longer than initially expected.

The injury, initially thought to be a calf strain, occurred during training camp, and escalated into a more serious issue, affecting both of his Achilles tendons. McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve before Week 2, ruling him out for at least four games, but his absence has now stretched through eight games.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport provided an encouraging update on McCaffrey’s status during “Good Morning Football” on Monday, stating that McCaffrey is expected to return to practice during the team’s bye, which is this week.

“My understanding is that Christian McCaffrey is expected to participate in that bonus practice [during the bye week], which will be the first time we see him if reporters are allowed out on the field,” Rapoport said. “I would not be surprised if he is out there Nov. 10, which has been the target.”

That date is when the 49ers return to action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With the 49ers facing a series of other injuries, including wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s recent bout with pneumonia and Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending ACL and MCL injury, McCaffrey’s return could not come at a better time.

The team sits at 4-4 after their 30-24 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, and McCaffrey’s return could provide the spark needed to elevate their playoff push.