Sources indicate that Christian McCaffrey will not be available for Week 6, but there are positive signs for his recovery.

Sources indicate that Christian McCaffrey will not be available for Week 6, but there are positive signs for his recovery.

Christian McCaffrey won’t be activated for Thursday night’s game against the Seahawks in Seattle, according to league sources reported by ESPN on Saturday, despite being eligible to return. The main concern remains when the 49ers’ star running back, who has been on injured reserve since Week 2 due to calf and Achilles tendinitis, will be ready to play again.

McCaffrey’s return depends on how he fares in practice, but for now, there is some mild encouragement because the three-time Pro Bowler’s calf and Achilles issues did not flare up after on-field work this week — his first on-field work since being placed on IR, according to league sources.

Despite dealing with bilateral Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey’s main issue is focused on one leg, while the other is in better condition, according to sources. The condition isn’t seen as a major concern, with insiders telling ESPN that McCaffrey is concentrating on avoiding setbacks as he progresses in his return to play.

If his recovery continues smoothly, McCaffrey could potentially return on October 20 for a Super Bowl rematch against the Chiefs, according to league sources.

There’s also a chance he might play on October 27 against the Cowboys. However, it’s more likely that the 49ers will give McCaffrey extra time to heal by sitting him out for both games, allowing him to use the bye week to fully recover before their November 10 matchup against Tampa Bay.

The team hasn’t determined which of these return dates is the most realistic, but they do know McCaffrey hasn’t experienced any recent setbacks.

Last month, McCaffrey traveled to Germany to consult a specialist regarding the injury, which has bothered him since early training camp. He missed four weeks of practice before returning in a limited capacity just ahead of the September 9 season opener against the Jets. After being a late scratch for that game, McCaffrey was placed on IR on September 14, following renewed Achilles pain during practice.

McCaffrey, 28, led the NFL last season with 2,023 yards from scrimmage and tied for the most touchdowns with 21, earning him the AP Offensive Player of the Year award.