The next time the 49ers take the field, they are expected to have Christian McCaffrey back.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport appeared on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” on Monday and revealed the timeline for the star running back’s return to the lineup.
“What teams do, they mostly go away during the bye weeks but the 49ers are preparing a bonus practice, which I think a lot of teams do,” Rapoport said.
“My understanding is Christian McCaffrey is expected to participate in that bonus practice, which will be the first time we see him — if reporters are allowed out on the field — in awhile. He has been ramping up, he has been running on flat ground … I would not be surprised if he is out there on Nov. 10. That has been the target and he has had no setbacks.”
After defeating the Cowboys on Sunday night, 30-24, the 49ers are on a bye week before facing the Buccaneers in a road game on Nov. 10.
McCaffrey has missed the entire season thus far with Achilles tendinitis, and the injury has lingered to the extent that he had to take a trip to Europe for unspecified treatment last month.
Last season, McCaffrey was the AP Offensive Player of the Year and led the NFL with 1,459 rushing yards.
He had 21 total rushing and receiving touchdowns.
Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo have been the primary running backs for the 49ers this season in McCaffrey’s absence.
The silver lining for the 49ers is that the 4-4 start has not put them out of contention in the NFC West.
They are tied with the Cardinals and Seahawks for the division lead, with the Rams a half-game back at 3-4.