After earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2023, McCaffrey was limited to just four games last season, finishing with 348 total yards and no touchdowns. He opened the year on injured reserve due to Achilles tendinitis and ended it sidelined with a knee injury.
PFF analyst Trevor Sikkema, who compiled the rankings, praised McCaffrey's production and impressive grades.
"We don't need to tell you how good McCaffrey is when healthy," Sikkema wrote. "He owns a 91.0 cumulative PFF rushing grade over the past three years and led all running backs in PFF WAR in 2023. All of his fully healthy seasons have yielded incredibly high volume and efficiency numbers."
McCaffrey's absence was felt throughout the 49ers' 2024 campaign, as the team finished last in the NFC West with a disappointing 6-11 record. As he approaches his 29th birthday ahead of the 2025 season, questions surrounding his durability are understandable.
Still, McCaffrey appears ready to silence the doubters. He enters his ninth NFL season reportedly healthy and motivated. Sports Illustrated recently predicted he'll win NFL Comeback Player of the Year, a forecast the 49ers and their fans would gladly welcome.
"I'm feeling great," McCaffrey said in April. "It's been such a smooth [recovery] process, a lot of hard work."
With the NFL's easiest schedule in 2025, McCaffrey's return to form could help the 49ers quickly reestablish themselves as NFC contenders.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers' Christian McCaffrey downplays back issue ahead of Seahawks showdown
Seattle Seahawks fans shouldn't expect Christian McCaffrey's back issue to keep him out of Saturday's pivotal Week 18 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. The running back appeared uncomfortable late in Sunday night's win over the Chicago Bears and did not... -
Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey keep putting up historic stats as 49ers offense continues to dominate
No NFL offense has been hotter as of late than that of the San Francisco 49ers, and it's been due in large part to the play of quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey. After a thrilling 42-38 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, the 49ers have now... -
49ers injury updates: Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey miss practice ahead of Seahawks showdown
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan offered injury updates on Tuesday as the team turns its attention to the regular-season finale against the Seattle Seahawks. The biggest concern coming out of Sunday night's win over the Chicago Bears was the status of left tackle... -
49ers add explosiveness to offense in PFF's 2026 NFL mock draft
The San Francisco 49ers are expected to pursue a veteran wide receiver in free agency, especially with Brandon Aiyuk's time in the Bay Area appearing to wind down. But head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch may also use the 2026 NFL Draft to add another weapon...