There has been widespread speculation regarding the status of running back Christian McCaffrey, who has been sidelined this season with Achilles tendinitis. Rumors recently surfaced claiming that the star playmaker received bad news during his trip to Germany to consult with a specialist. However, these rumors, which stemmed from a misleading headline based on an NHL medical director's opinion, have since been refuted.
On Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that the 49ers plan to ramp up McCaffrey's workload and test his recovery progress "sooner than later."
Speaking to reporters after Friday's practice, Shanahan declined to provide specific details about McCaffrey's trip to Germany, simply stating, "He went there to get treatment."
Shanahan added that McCaffrey's rehab intensity will increase following Sunday's game against the New England Patriots.
"Yeah, we'd like to start hitting his rehab here harder on Monday," Shanahan said.
The 49ers can open McCaffrey's practice window ahead of their Week 6 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, and he can be activated from injured reserve at any point once that occurs.
General manager John Lynch also addressed McCaffrey's recovery during an appearance on Bay Area radio station KNBR on Friday morning.
"And now, Christian's back here, and at some point, we'll get [him] back," Lynch said. "We'll have to hit certain markers, and we'll try the ramp-up. And, God willing, the thing has quieted down, and we can build him back up in a really smart and thoughtful way."