Christian McCaffrey's 2024 campaign fell far short of expectations. The San Francisco 49ers' star running back was limited to just four games due to injuries, beginning the season on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis and ending it on IR following a PCL injury.
His absence and a rash of injuries across the roster were significant factors in the 49ers' disappointing 6-11 finish.
Both McCaffrey and the team aim for a fresh start in 2025, and early signs point to a strong comeback. According to 49ers insider Matt Barrows of The Athletic, McCaffrey is healthy and trending in the right direction.
"Christian McCaffrey is healthy again," Barrows reported in a recent article summarizing takeaways from each NFL team's offseason workouts. "Following a 2024 season marred by Achilles and knee issues, McCaffrey said his goal this spring was to be available for all of the 49ers' OTA and minicamp sessions.
"And while he didn't look quite like he did in the spring of 2023 — he was prominently intense in OTAs that year, foreshadowing his Offensive Player of the Year campaign — he didn't have to sit out any sessions. That was a boost of confidence for the running back, who said he'll be back to training as usual during the summer break, and to a 49ers offense that missed McCaffrey last season, especially in the red zone."
McCaffrey's return to full participation in offseason activities is a welcome development for head coach Kyle Shanahan, whose offense lacked its usual explosiveness without the versatile backfield weapon.
In 2023, McCaffrey racked up 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns en route to NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. In stark contrast, he was limited to just 348 scrimmage yards and failed to reach the end zone during his injury-riddled 2024 season.
If McCaffrey stays healthy, his impact in 2025 could thrust the 49ers back into contention status.
H/t to Kyle Madson of Niners Wire for the find.