49ers running back Christian McCaffrey won’t play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, but there’s a chance he could play right after the bye week, according to The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

“This may actually be Jordan Mason’s last game as a bell cow.” Rapoport said. “The 49ers have bye and Christian McCaffrey should start practicing and there is a very good chance McCaffrey will be on the field for the 49ers’ next game (against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers) on November 10.”

It’s clear the 49ers hope McCaffrey will be ready for the game against the Buccaneers. Unless something strange goes wrong in the next few days, McCaffrey is expected to start training with the team when the players return from their bye week.

This means the 49ers should open McCaffrey’s three-week practice window on Monday, Nov. 4. Technically, McCaffrey can practice with the team for 21 days before the 49ers have to activate him from the Injured Reserve List or sit out his season entirely.

If the plan was to face McCaffrey in a few weeks against the Buccaneers, wouldn’t the 49ers have opened the practice window by now? If he’s not ready for any physical contact yet, will the 49ers throw him in after a few practices? Will they be this aggressive after being so careful with him for the last three months?

It looks like McCaffrey will still be at risk of an Achilles rupture even when he returns. That’s why I expect the 49ers to be cautious with him. Because if he tears his Achilles later this year, he’ll likely miss most of next season as well.

I would be surprised if he plays against the Buccaneers. Week 11 against the Seahawks or Week 12 against the Packers looks more cautious.