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Why isn't Christian McCaffrey playing tonight? Breaking down 49ers RB's injury status for Week 8 vs Cowboys

The season has turned sour pretty quickly for Christian McCaffrey. The San Francisco 49ers running back was widely deemed an uncontested number one overall pick in fantasy football drafts this year, especially with the franchise keeping most of the core together.

However, McCaffrey has yet to suit up this season after suffering Achilles tendinitis. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year's injury was a roller-coaster one, as Kyle Shanahan earlier indicated McCaffrey wouldn't miss much time.

While McCaffrey is on track to return sooner rather than later, Week 8's primetime matchup against the Dallas Cowboys will come a few weeks too soon for the NFL's premier running back.


When will Christian McCaffrey return to action?

Earlier this week, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport delivered an update on a couple of 49ers players for Week 8.

Speaking on McCaffrey's return timeline, Rapoport said:

"This actually might be the last game where Jordan Mason is the bell cow. 49ers have a bye, Christian McCaffrey should start practicing, and there’s a very good chance he’s on the field November 10th for their next game.”

Earlier today, Rapoport added that McCaffrey is expected to take the field when the Niners host a bonus practice session during their bye week.

Following the Week 9 bye, the Niners will go up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10 on Sunday, November 10. At this point, all signs point towards McCaffrey returning after the halfway mark of the season.


Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers injury report for Week 8

The Niners will be without Brandon Aiyuk for this game after he suffered a season-ending injury last week. Fellow wide receiver Jauan Jennings is also out with a hip injury, while DL Kevin Givens has been ruled out with a groin issue. Kicker Jake Moody is also out of the Sunday Night Football showdown against Dallas with a right ankle injury. However, Deebo Samuel is expected to take the field after fighting pneumonia last week.

For the Cowboys, cornerback DaRon Bland is still out but is on the path to recovery from a foot injury. Micah Parsons has also been ruled out with an ankle issue alongside DT Jordan Phillips (wrist) and TE John Stephens Jr (knee).

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