CHRISTIAN McCaffrey’s timeline for a potential injury return has been set out by the San Francisco 49ers.

Star running back McCaffrey, 28, has missed the first four weeks of the season with Achilles tendonitis.

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Christian McCaffrey is back in the United States after a trip to Germany to see a specialistCredit: Reuters

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The running back hasn’t played since last season as he deals with an Achilles injuryCredit: Getty

His absence came as a surprise to many with the signs pointing towards him playing in the season opener against the New York Jets.

McCaffrey was ruled out at the last minute and hasn’t featured at all since.

In a worrying sign, he flew to Germany to see a specialist and aid him in his recovery bid.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport gave an update on McCaffrey’s status on Gameday Morning this weekend.

Rapoport said McCaffrey was back in the United States after undergoing a PRP treatment.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma therapy where a patient’s own blood is used to heal injuries and improve tissue function.

Blood is drawn from the patient and the platelets are then concentrated before it is injected back into the wounded area.

McCaffrey remains on the injured reserve list and is some way off a potential return to playing.

Rapoport reported, “It seemed like the treatment went well and there’s a chance he could run on hard ground grass this week, which would be a step forward.

“For those worried about McCaffrey not playing at all this year, my understanding is the 49ers expect him back at least by early November.”

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Backup running back Jordan Mason said in an interview on ESPN that he was told he would be playing three days before the game against the New York Jets.

Starter McCaffrey was listed as questionable right up until 90 minutes before kickoff.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan clarified that he didn’t tell Mason he would be the team’s starter.

“I never told Jordan he was going to start.” Shanahan insisted.

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“I told him he had to be ready a bunch, but that might’ve been somebody trying to pump him up.

“I knew he was going to have to play a lot, told him that it wasn’t going to be like usual.

“He was going to be a No. 2 back that was splitting a lot of the time, but he didn’t know for sure he was doing that until today.”

The NFL confirmed they would be investigating whether the 49ers complied with their injury protocol.

Mason has rushed for over 100 yards in three of San Francisco’s four games this season.

He has also scored three touchdowns as he leads the San Fran backfield in McCaffrey’s absence.