49ers receive concerning update on Christian McCaffrey's Achilles tendon injury

Christian McCaffrey traveled to Germany to see a specialist about his ongoing Achilles tendon injury. He has since returned to San Francisco, but it remains unclear when the 49ers star will return to action.

According to NBC's Matt Maiocco on the “49ers Talk” podcast, McCaffrey is suffering from bilateral Achilles tendonitis, suggesting the issue isn't just affecting one leg. The All-Pro running back was placed on injured reserve after Week 1 because of his calf injury and Achilles tendonitis, but the team never stated that the tendonitis affected both Achilles tendons.

While his window to return from IR officially opens after Week 5, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday that he is expected back “at least early November.”

Coach Kyle Shanahan said this weekend that the team hopes its star running back will begin rehab on Monday.

With McCaffrey sidelined, Jordan Mason will handle most of the work in the 49ers' backfield. The third-year running back was great, reaching 100 or more rushing yards in three of his first four games as a starter.

As recently as Monday morning, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested that even McCaffrey wasn't sure when he would return.

The McCaffrey injury saga has been anything but clear, although the latest update on Maiocco's Achilles tendonitis is certainly concerning.