The 49ers, who have been waiting for the return of Christian McCaffrey, are saying goodbye until they win.

The 49ers, who have been waiting for the return of Christian McCaffrey, are saying goodbye until they win.

SANTA CLARA – While most of the 49ers had a bye week to relax after beating the Dallas Cowboys, this week could have a big impact on the second half of the season.

Star running back Christian McCaffrey is stepping up his rehab after being sidelined for the entire season with Achilles tendinitis and could return next week if all goes well.

“He hasn’t had any setbacks, so it looks like we’re on track,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday. “But we’re going, he’s going to hit it hard this week when we’re gone and simulate some training. things for himself. As long as everything goes well, we hope to have him back in training next week.”

McCaffrey’s return provides an even bigger lift than Sunday night Dallas beat the Cowboys 30-24 that sent the 49ers (4-4) into the bye week at .500 with a chance to make another big push in the second half.

This marks the third straight season San Francisco has had a Week 9 bye, and the 49ers expect a repeat of the past two seasons. The Niners had a 9-7 record before the bye in those two seasons, compared to 16-2 in the second half of deep playoff runs.

San Francisco showed signs of returning to that form Sunday against the Cowboys, with the offense racking up 223 yards, the defense holding Dak Prescott to two touchdowns and the special teams avoiding the disastrous mistakes that have cost the team several losses.

“I think we all want our record to be a little bit better, but it’s right there,” George Kittle said. “That’s our reality. To win tonight was huge and it gives you confidence. I think there’s a lot we’re trying to clean up, myself included. I think we’re taking steps in the right direction.”

What are you doing?

Takeaways. The Niners got interceptions from J’Iyer Brown and Deommodore Lenoir, marking the third straight game with at least two INTs. It was the first time San Francisco had multiple INTs in three games since 2014.

Why do you need help?

End games. The Niners blew 10-point leads in the fourth quarter against the Rams and Cardinals and threatened an even bigger collapse against Dallas. San Francisco led 27-10 entering the fourth quarter, but only trailed 30-24 after allowing two quick TD drives by the Cowboys. The defense responded with four incomplete passes to seal the game, but it shouldn’t have gotten that close.

Stock up

RB Isaac Gerendo runs the ball. The rookie fourth-round pick stepped up in the second half while Jordan Mason was nursing a shoulder injury. Gerendo had 14 carries for 85 yards and his first career TD and helped run out the clock again by sliding the interceptions instead of scoring after converting a third-down run with just over a minute left.

Reduce the stock

Gerendo block. With the ball in his hands, Gerendo made a huge mistake late in the game that could have cost the Niners the game. He couldn’t handle DeMarvion’s blitz, which kept San Francisco within six points. Purdy overshot the blindside and could have given the ball to Dollas in prime position for the win. Purdy was able to hold on to the ball, but Gerendo might not get many passing opportunities going forward.

Injuries

Mason will be reevaluated after sitting out most of the second half of Week 6 in Seattle after aggravating a shoulder injury. … WR Deebo Samuel (rib, oblique) will be reevaluated after the bye. … L.B. Dee Winters is in concussion protocol. … WR Chris Conley (egg) is week to week. … CB Renardo Green (ankle) is day-to-day. … WR Jauan Jennings (hip) is expected to return after the bye after missing the last two games.

Main number

179 — The Niners got 179 yards from rookies, with Gerendo 102 and Ricky Pearsall 77. It was the sixth-most yards by a San Francisco rookie in any game since the merger, excluding the 1987 trade. The record was 255 – all by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice – on December 9, 1985 against the Rams.

Next

The 49ers return from the bye on Nov. 10 with a trip to Tampa Bay.

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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

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