There has been considerable speculation surrounding running back Christian McCaffrey, with conflicting reports ranging from claims that he won't play this season to more reliable updates suggesting his return to the field could be nearing.
McCaffrey will not suit up for Thursday night's game against the Seattle Seahawks as he continues rehabbing his calf and bilateral Achilles tendinitis issues. ESPN insider Adam Schefter recently reported that there is cautious optimism within the 49ers organization, indicating that the star playmaker could return in the coming weeks—potentially as early as Week 7's Super Bowl rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Of course, all of this remains contingent on McCaffrey's continued progress.
"Although McCaffrey has been dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, his issue is concentrated to one of his legs -- and the other is faring better, according to sources," Schefter wrote. "The bilateral Achilles tendinitis is not considered a concern, according to sources, who told ESPN that McCaffrey is focused on avoiding setbacks as he continues to ramp up in a return to play."
Tight end George Kittle joined Bay Area radio station KNBR on Tuesday morning and expressed optimism about McCaffrey's potential contributions this season, despite the swirling rumors suggesting otherwise.
"McCaffrey does still have two legs. He will probably play football again," Kittle joked, referencing some humorous online memes insinuating the running back might be missing appendages, given the rampant speculation.
"His lockers right next to mine, so I see him every day," Kittle continued. "... Christian McCaffrey will play football this year, so I'm excited about that."
Kittle also discussed the impact of McCaffrey's absence on the offense, noting that it has likely contributed to the 49ers' unexpected and disappointing 2-3 start.
"I could be completely wrong, but I was just thinking about this last night: Christian McCaffrey's the reigning NFL offensive MVP," Kittle said. "... He's literally one of the best offensive—probably the best offensive—player in the NFL. When you have him for healthy for 20-something straight games, I think you kind of get spoiled with having a player of that capacity.
"You can never throw him the ball, and he's still going to rush for over 1,000 yards, or you can have him running wide receiver routes and just cooking up DBs and linebackers. I think you get a little bit spoiled."
Kittle acknowledged that the offense may have become reliant on McCaffrey's presence, and his absence has created limitations.
"We haven't been able to do the things that we've been doing for the last two years," Kittle added. "... You just take out one of the most important pieces of the puzzle, your offense changes a little bit."
You can listen to Kittle's entire interview below.
