There hasn't been much news for the San Francisco 49ers to be encouraged about so far to start Week 8 of the NFL season.

Coming off a disheartening 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in a Super Bowl 58 rematch that dropped them to 3-4, the 49ers had to face up to the brutal news that All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk's 2024 season is over after he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in the second quarter.

On top of that, the 49ers appear likely to be without Deebo Samuel for at least one game after head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed that their most versatile playmaker is in the hospital with pneumonia.

The 49ers' offense is suddenly looking very undermanned at the skill positions, which have for so long been a strength, with All-Pro tight end George Kittle day to day with a foot sprain and leading receiver Jauan Jennings no guarantee to return from a hip injury in Sunday's primetime matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.

But the absence that has arguably overshadowed the 49ers' entire season is that of Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, who has yet to play this campaign because of bilateral Achilles tendinitis.

The 49ers have yet to open McCaffrey's practice window after he was placed on injured reserve following the Week 1 win over the New York Jets, but Shanahan indicated on his Monday conference call that the star running back is on track to return after their Week 10 bye.

"Christian's still progressing through his rehab," said Shanahan. "He hasn't had any setbacks, so it's been all good news so far. 

"I'd be surprised to get him back this week. But hopefully the bye week will go well and have a much better chance there right after the bye week."

McCafffey's return being on the horizon at least provides a crumb of comfort on offense, but the 49ers will have to wait a little longer to see Dre Greenlaw back on the field.

Shanahan added of Greenlaw, who remains on PUP after tearing his Achilles in February's Super Bowl: "Greenlaw's still a few weeks after that [the bye]. Everything's still going fine, but no time soon right now."

49ers facing an increasingly desperate injury situation after shock update on Deebo Samuel

He looks likely to miss the Cowboys clash.