The San Francisco 49ers' hopes of rebounding from a disappointing 2024 campaign may rest heavily on the health and production of Christian McCaffrey. The star running back was limited to just four games last season, beginning the year on injured reserve with Achilles tendinitis and ending it on IR due to a knee injury.
So far, McCaffrey has been a full participant in the 49ers' offseason program. On Thursday, head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed that the veteran back is healthy as the team kicked off organized team activities (OTAs) this week.
"Christian, he's as ready as any player I've ever been around," Shanahan said. "When he gets hurt, he's got to rehab and get better. Right now, he's as healthy as can be. We've got to kind of protect him from himself, but Christian has a good idea of what he needs to do right now.
"He's doing a lot less than he normally would do, but I know he's excited on how healthy he feels, and the fact that he can get out there."
Ricky Pearsall tweaks hamstring
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, a former first-round pick, is expected to take on a larger role in his second NFL season. However, he was among several players who did not participate in Thursday's practice, instead observing from the sidelines.
Shanahan revealed Pearsall sustained a minor hamstring injury that could sideline him for the remainder of OTAs.
"Ricky's here. Ricky's been awesome," Shanahan said. "But Ricky has a tweaked hamstring, so I'll be surprised if he does anything in OTAs."
When asked if Pearsall could return for June's mandatory minicamp, Shanahan replied, "He could be, but by the time you get to minicamp, and there's just two days left in school, we probably won't just throw him out there. But he should be healthy by then."
Pearsall and Jauan Jennings are expected to open the season as San Francisco's starting wideouts, with Deebo Samuel now in Washington and Brandon Aiyuk rehabbing from ACL and MCL injuries.
Where is Trent Williams?
Veteran left tackle Trent Williams was a noticeable absence at Thursday's practice and hasn't been at the facility for the past couple of weeks. Before concern spreads, it's worth noting that all activities before June's mandatory minicamp are voluntary.
"He's been around," Shanahan said. "He was here at the beginning of—not OTAs—Phase One. He hasn't been here in a couple of weeks, but expect to see him soon."
Ji'Ayir Brown to miss time
The 49ers are already expected to be without safety Malik Mustapha at the start of the season. He suffered an ACL injury in the team's finale last season.
On Thursday, Shanahan revealed that Ji'Ayir Brown recently underwent an ankle procedure and is not expected back until training camp.
"Ji'Ayir got something done to his ankle," Shanahan said. "He had a procedure done to his ankle, so he won't be ready until training camp."
Brown, a third-round pick out of Penn State in 2023, played in all 17 games last season, making 13 starts.