Will 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey make his season debut in Week 10?

49ers running back Christian McCaffrey won't play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, but according to Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, there's a chance he plays immediately following the bye week.

“This may actually be the last game where Jordan Mason is the bell cow,” Rapoport said. “The 49ers have a bye and Christian McCaffrey should begin practice, and there is a very good chance that McCaffrey will be on the field for the 49ers' next game (against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) on November 10th.”

It seems clear that the 49ers are hoping McCaffrey will be ready for the game against the Buccaneers. And barring any strange setback in the next few days, McCaffrey is expected to begin training with the team when the players return from the bye week.

That means the 49ers should open McCaffrey's three-week training window on Monday, November 4th. Technically, he can practice with the team for 21 days before the 49ers would have to remove him from the injured reserve list or permanently end his season.

If the plan was to have McCaffrey play against the Buccaneers in a few weeks, wouldn't the 49ers have already opened his practice window? If he's not ready for physical contact, will the 49ers throw him into a game after just a few practices? Will they be so aggressive after being so careful with him for the last three months?

It looks like McCaffrey will still be at risk of a torn Achilles tendon even after he returns. Therefore, I would expect the 49ers to remain cautious on him. Because if he tears his Achilles tendon this late in the year, he would likely miss most of next season as well.

I would be surprised if he played against the Buccaneers. Week 11 against the Seahawks or Week 12 against the Packers seems more prudent.