Report: 49ers expect McCaffrey back by early November

The San Francisco 49ers expect star running back Christian McCaffrey to return by early November, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

McCaffrey, who is on injured reserve, has not played this season due to Achilles tendinitis. He reportedly traveled to Germany to see a specialist regarding the injury.

There is a chance that McCaffrey could begin running on grass this week, Rapoport adds.

The reigning Offensive Player of the Year, McCaffrey was sidelined for the majority of training camp due to a calf sprain. He was made inactive for the 49ers' Week 1 opener due to a calf/Achilles issue and was then placed on IR before Week 2.

Running back Jordan Mason has filled in admirably in McCaffrey's absence, rushing for 324 yards on 67 attempts. He rushed for over 100 yards in two of his three starts this season, including a career-high 147 yards in the franchise's season-opening victory over the New York Jets.

The 49ers have endured a multitude of injuries, with McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle all missing at least one game this season.