The San Francisco 49ers are optimistic about bouncing back from a disappointing 2024 campaign that saw them finish last in the NFC West with a 6-11 record. Injuries were a significant factor in their downfall, with key contributors—like Christian McCaffrey, Trent Williams, and Brandon Aiyuk—missing extended time.
The 49ers underwent a massive roster overhaul this offseason in anticipation of making quarterback Brock Purdy one of the NFL's highest-paid players. While the top-end talent remains strong, especially after securing long-term deals with Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, depth concerns remain.
That uncertainty has led some analysts to question whether San Francisco can contend in 2025.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently identified one potential roster flaw that could derail each NFL contender's season. For the 49ers, the choice was clear—key offensive starters potentially falling apart physically.
"When healthy, running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams are arguably the best players at their respective positions," Moton wrote. "In 2023, the former won the rushing title, and the latter completed his third consecutive All-Pro campaign."
However, Moton also noted that McCaffrey and Williams appeared in just 14 combined games last season. Williams missed the final seven contests, while McCaffrey played only four, starting and ending the year on injured reserve.
McCaffrey's history also concerns Moton. The running back has missed at least 10 games in three of the past five seasons and already has 1,871 touches on his résumé—an unusually high workload that could take its toll on the body.
"Head coach Kyle Shanahan hinted that the team will be careful with its star running back's workload," Moton added.
Still, McCaffrey dismissed the idea that his workload needs to be managed more carefully.
"I don't think about that," McCaffrey said. "My job is to put my body in the best position it can to go out there and be me. Everything else, it's a lot of noise, and sometimes, there's a lot of different things going on. My job is just to go 100% every play and continue to get better. I just try to focus on that."
Williams, who turns 37 next month, hasn't played a full season since 2013. The 49ers did nothing to address their tackle depth during the draft, raising questions about the team's preparedness if Williams misses time again—or planning for the future.
"The San Francisco 49ers should expect him to miss at least a couple of games, but they don't have quality depth behind the 11-time Pro Bowler," Moton stated. "Backup left tackle Andre Dillard, a 2019 first-rounder, hasn't come close to meeting the expectations of his draft status."
Moton also expressed skepticism about San Francisco's running back depth, noting that neither second-year back Isaac Guerendo nor rookie Jordan James offers the all-around versatility McCaffrey brings to the offense. Of course, few do.
"If McCaffrey and Williams are spectators for extended periods like last year, expect San Francisco to finish with a sub-.500 record," Moton concluded. "The 49ers' backups at running back and left tackle won't be enough to get them to the playoffs."
The 49ers boast elite talent at several key positions, but their 2025 success could hinge on the health of Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams. If either star misses significant time, San Francisco's playoff hopes may once again be in jeopardy.