Sergio Estrada-Imagn ImagesSan Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch spoke to reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday, as he does annually. He provided updates on two key offensive players—tackle Trent Williams and running back Christian McCaffrey.
Both Williams and McCaffrey faced injury-shortened seasons, with the offensive lineman missing the season's final seven games due to an ankle injury and the running back appearing in only four contests.
There has been some speculation about Williams' future, especially considering he'll be 37 at the start of the 2025 season. However, Lynch confirmed that Williams plans to continue playing.
"Trent's playing, and he's ready," Lynch said. "I think he's really motivated to come back. ... When you're a player that has experience playing at those heights, you don't want to play unless you're playing at that level, and I think that's where Trent's at.
"And I think we're going to see a real motivated Trent Williams to come back and have a great year, and that's a good thing for us."
McCaffrey, who missed the start of the season due to Achilles tendinitis, saw his 2024 campaign come to an early end after suffering a PCL injury.
"He's doing great," Lynch said. "Christian's doing really well, and I think [he] was real frustrated with the way last season went, and doing everything that is possible, as he did in preparation for last year. And we're hoping CMC's out there and going to have a tremendous year.
"If he's healthy, he will have a tremendous year. That's just what he does."
Lynch was asked if McCaffrey would be ready for the 49ers' offseason program.
"I think so. I think at least parts of it," he responded. "We'll be judicious and follow the medical folks' advice on that, but Christian, he's done a great job doing the rehab.
"He's tireless. If anything, you always gotta say 'whoa' to Christian. ... Christian is a 'whoa guy' because he's going to do everything possible to give himself a chance."