The 49ers are having a roller-coaster of a 3-4 start. A typical case of an uphill-downhill shift. But the record has been just a part of the problem for them. Injuries have been more concerning. And why shouldn’t they be? Especially when your All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey is yet to debut in the 2024 season due to an Achilles injury. But cheer up Faithful as John Lynch has some hopeful updates.

When asked if he thinks stars like CMC and Dre Greenlaw will make it back this season, Lynch was optimistic: “Absolutely, very much so. We’re getting closer on all of them; they’re trending in really good directions…” He admitted that it would be a huge boost for the team. And why now? I mean, we are talking about literal stars here.

Sure, no one has confirmed the exact date yet. But there’s noise coming from the NFL Insider Ian Rapoport that San Francisco can expect CMC back by week 10. Rap said, “Very good chance [McCaffrey] plays week 10.” Combine that with Lynch’s words, and things are starting to look up.

But the more concerning question arises when we think about whether McCaffrey would need surgery or not. See, the thing is, Achilles is best managed with rest and rehab, so surgery isn’t on the table. That is, only if he follows his treatment plan. But if he rushes things, that Achilles could be at serious risk. Let’s hope the Niners play it safe—no one wants to see him sidelined again for the long haul.

It’s been a rough stretch for the Niners’ offense with all the injuries. Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk have all been banged up, too. With Aiyuk out for the season with a torn ACL, it’s crucial that McCaffrey gets back out there healthy. Fortunately, Kyle Shanahan shared that McCaffrey’s aiming to practice during the team’s Week 9 bye, which has everyone holding their breath for a Week 10 comeback against the Bucs.

Can Christian McCaffrey solve the Niners offensive woes?

“Everyone knows how good of a player he [CMC] is.” Remember when Coach Shanahan said that? He wasn’t being sarcastic. He said that because when Christian McCaffrey hits the field, the 49ers’ offense just feels different. Throughout 27 games in San Francisco, CMC has racked up 431 carries over 2,205 yards for 31 TDs. Talk about game-changing! But with McCaffrey sidelined, the Niners’ offense has looked, well, a little lost.

Underwhelming, inconsistent—pick your word. No doubt the Niners still have talents in that O-line. But without McCaffrey’s dynamic presence, the rhythm just isn’t there. And while injuries are part of the story, Shanahan’s play-calling has raised some eyebrows. Why the heavy reliance on the passing game when the ground attack was once their bread and butter?

Sure, Shanahan might feel more confident with Brock Purdy at QB, but leaning on Purdy to hit tight-window throws every play? That’s a tall order. And that’s why the Faithful are seeing Purdy leading the league in tight-window throws. All down to the Niners having the worst average separation per target. This isn’t just about Purdy forcing throws; Shanahan needs to give him easier options.

Remember those seamless short passes the Niners used to run? They’re missing that. And folks, that’s where Christian McCaffrey’s brilliance enters the fray. Shanahan knows CMC changes the game. Sure, he does not bring the no.1 receiving option. But with him in the backfield, defenses, forcibly, double-cover him or zone up. So, this opens up the field for everyone else.

McCaffrey might not lead in targets, and it’s clear from the numbers. But his presence alone demands respect—and more space for Purdy’s other weapons. And that’s the reason why you are seeing more cries for his return soon. But as things stand, that soon is not coming until week 10. Till then, the Niners and Shanahan must hold on—at least give CMC something to fight for!