When Is Christian McCaffrey Coming Back? (Injury Update, Betting Impact for 49ers vs. Chiefs)

The latest injury update for San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey ahead of NFL Week 6.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. / David Gonzales-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers won’t have star running back Christian McCaffrey in action in Week 7 even though he’s eligible to come off of injured reserve.

Christian McCaffrey Injury Update

Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that the team will not open McCaffrey's practice window, even after running back Jordan Mason went down with a shoulder injury in Week 6.

#49ers will not open the practice window this week for RB Christian McCaffrey, per Kyle Shanahan.

— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) October 11, 2024

Earlier this month, ESPN's Adam Schefter revealed that there was some optimism that CMC could return before the team's bye, but instead it'll be another week on the sidelines for the star running back

“McCaffrey's return depends on how he fares in practice, but for now, there is some mild encouragement because the three-time Pro Bowler's calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after on-field work this week -- his first on-field work since being placed on IR, according to league sources,” Schefter wrote.

There still isn’t an exact timetable for when the star running back will be back in action, as multiple games have been mentioned this month, but there’s a chance he could wait until after San Francisco’s Week 9 bye to come back. 

“There also is a chance McCaffrey could return for an Oct. 27 game against the Cowboys, according to sources," Schefter wrote. "But even more reasonably, the 49ers could opt to sit McCaffrey for both those games and then give him the bye week to continue to ramp up for their next game at Tampa Bay on Nov. 10.”

McCaffrey has not played this season due to an Achilles issue, and his absence has now extended much longer than any 49ers fans – and futures bettors – would have hoped.

With Mason going down with a shoulder injury, Isaac Guerendo is the next man up if he can't go in Week 7. Mason will have a long time to rest up between games since the 49ers played on Thursday night in Week 6.

Betting Impact of Christian McCaffrey’s Absence

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook.

There is a major betting impact when it comes to McCaffrey’s status as well. 

Obviously, Mason or Guerendo will be a popular prop target in the team’s Week 7 game against the Chiefs, but long term there are more things to consider for San Francisco. 

The 49ers are now -180 to win the NFC West after beating Seattle. Prior to that win, they had been set at plus money to take the divison crown.

The schedule heats up for San Francisco in the coming weeks, which could be a reason why oddsmakers had cooled on the 49ers in the futures market ahead of Week 6. Kansas City, Dallas, Tampa Bay, Seattle, Green Bay, Buffalo are the 49ers' next six games. That’s a tough stretch, especially if CMC misses both of the matchups against Kansas City and Dallas (he's already out against KC).

49ers Super Bowl Odds After Week 6 Win

San Francisco has moved back into second at +650 to win the Super Bowl after beating Seattle.

Prior to that win, San Fran was +800 to win the Super Bowl, and it may need CMC to return for oddsmakers to truly push this team to the top of the odds in this market.

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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