San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is eager to make his long-awaited return after an injury-plagued 2024 campaign. The All-Pro appeared in just four games last season, battling through Achilles tendinitis before a PCL injury ended his year prematurely.
Now fully healthy, McCaffrey has looked explosive throughout the offseason, turning heads during Thursday's joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 29-year-old is determined to prove he remains one of the NFL's most dynamic and versatile offensive weapons.
"Physically, he looks great, getting in and out of cuts, running hard," quarterback Brock Purdy said after practice. "Back to the McCaffrey that we all know. And then mentally, he's ready to get after it in the season, and obviously, from beginning to end, play a whole season, and go hard.
"And that's who he is. He keeps telling all of us in the locker room, he's like, 'Dude, I can't wait. I can't wait.' And so, for me, as a quarterback, I'm like, 'Dude, I love hearing that.' And obviously, let's just keep taking it one day at a time, but he's ready to roll."
Purdy added that McCaffrey's energy was especially noticeable while going against another defense—particularly one featuring star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
"I know that gets him going, and he really likes that—competing," Purdy said.
McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle have both impressed during training camp, looking like they're already in midseason form. When asked if he felt the two were ready for the season opener, head coach Kyle Shanahan didn't hesitate.
"Yeah, I do," Shanahan said. "I mean, you always want to keep working and stuff, but it's such a fine line. Those guys, they're ready, physically, when it starts, but they know they've got to get through camp and stuff, so their bodies can take it throughout the whole year."
Shanahan isn't concerned about McCaffrey's preparation, noting the star running back's consistent desire to remain in elite physical condition.
"He's as fast as he's been, as quick, as strong," Shanahan said. "So, he's Christian McCaffrey."