Top reason for 49ers optimism in 2025: Christian McCaffrey is ‘all systems go’

Injuries derailed the San Francisco 49ers' 2024 season, but none had a more significant impact on the offense than the loss of star running back Christian McCaffrey. The All-Pro appeared in just four games, starting the year on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis and finishing it on IR due to a PCL injury. His absence contributed heavily to the team's disappointing 6-11 record.

As training camp kicks off, both McCaffrey and the 49ers are hopeful that 2025 will mark a turnaround. Despite concerns from skeptics about the team's offseason roster overhaul, the return of a healthy McCaffrey is a major reason for optimism. CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan even named it the top reason 49ers fans should be excited about the upcoming season.

"The San Francisco 49ers' season literally got off on the wrong foot on Day 1 with Christian McCaffrey being sidelined for the bulk of the year due to an Achilles injury," Sullivan wrote. "McCaffrey was able to return in mid-November, but then suffered a PCL injury in his right knee that put him on the shelf for the rest of the year."

McCaffrey was a full participant in the team's offseason program and is reportedly 100% healthy heading into camp. He and the rest of the veteran players will report to Santa Clara this week.

While McCaffrey's 2024 numbers—348 scrimmage yards and zero touchdowns—were career lows, it was just the season before that he was named NFL Offensive Player of the Year after racking up 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns.

"Looking towards 2025, McCaffrey currently has zero restrictions, so he's all systems go at the moment, which is ideal for the Niners' hopes of rebounding after a 6-11 season," Sullivan concluded.