Christian McCaffrey of the 49ers is suffering from Achilles tendonitis in both legs

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan was asked Monday if he had spoken with Christian McCaffrey to find out if the All-Pro running back is doing better since recently returning from treatment in Germany for his Achilles tendonitis is.

“No, I didn’t,” Shanahan said.

On the one hand, it seems odd that Shanahan didn't inquire about the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year's medical condition upon his return from overseas. Then again, maybe Shanahan doesn't want to know the answer?

During his weekly conference call, Shanahan mentioned some specifics of McCaffrey's ongoing lower leg issues that don't count as good news. After general manager John Lynch said last week that McCaffrey was suffering from bilateral Achilles tendonitis at KNBR, Shanahan confirmed that both of McCaffrey's feet were affected and provided some details.

“He had it both ways,” Shanahan said. “I think it all started. One can overcompensate and it goes to the other person. Most of the time one of them bothered him, but in both cases he got tired of it.”

McCaffrey, who returned from Germany last week, stood on the sideline during the 49ers' 30-13 victory over the Patriots at Levi's Stadium on Sunday and was among the first players to leave the locker room afterward.

McCaffrey has missed every game of the 49ers' 2-2 start and must miss one more contest before he can be activated from injured reserve. However, his trip to Europe to treat an illness he has been battling since at least early August does not indicate he will be available when the 49ers visit Seattle in Week 6 on Oct. 10.

Lynch said Friday that the 49ers placed McCaffrey on IR with the idea that he would get some rest before beginning rehab. However, Lynch tacitly acknowledged that there was an element of the unknown.

“We’re going to try to ramp up,” Lynch said. “And God willing, this thing has calmed down and we can rebuild him in a really smart and thoughtful way.”

Reach Eric Branch: [email protected]; Twitter: @Eric_Branch