The 26-year-old picked up a knock in the second half of last month's Tyne-Wear derby - which Sunderland won 3-0 - and the Magpies confirmed that the former Black Cats man would be absent for six weeks, but McClaren is pleased with the former Ipswich Town loanee's progress.
"Jack's progressing really well, and we're delighted with him so far.
"Steven Taylor will be fighting to play any part in December.
"We're probably looking more at the start of next year with him."