Kyle Shanahan says Christian McCaffrey is “as wholesome as may be” after an injury-shortened 2024 season.
Is Christian McCaffrey Wholesome Once more?
San Francisco 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey appears to be like able to return to elite kind after lacking most of final season with accidents.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed throughout the workforce’s offseason coaching actions (OTAs) that McCaffrey is “as wholesome as may be,” a welcome replace for 49ers followers after a turbulent 2024 marketing campaign.
McCaffrey, who turns 29 this summer season, was restricted to only 4 video games final yr as a consequence of Achilles tendinitis in each ankles and a proper knee damage.
The bodily setbacks derailed his season, however early footage from OTAs exhibits the All-Professional again making explosive cuts and operating drills at full velocity.
Why Did Christian McCaffrey Miss Video games Final Season?
In 2024, McCaffrey handled bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a proper knee situation that value him 13 video games.
He first went down throughout coaching camp and re-aggravated the knee damage in Week 13 towards Buffalo, ending his season.
He completed the yr with simply 202 speeding yards and no touchdowns — a far cry from his 2023 dominance.
Is Christian McCaffrey Training With The 49ers?
Sure — and impressively so. McCaffrey participated in full-team drills and confirmed no lingering results from his accidents.
Based on Shanahan, the workforce is being cautious along with his workload, however the veteran again appears to be like assured, fast, and wholesome.
“Christian is as prepared as any participant I’ve ever been round,” Shanahan stated. “He’s wholesome as may be.”
Tight finish George Kittle echoed that optimism, stating, “He’s nonetheless actually good at soccer… one yr faraway from being Offensive Participant of the Yr.”
How Good is Christian McCaffrey When Wholesome?
When wholesome, McCaffrey is arguably the perfect all-around operating again within the NFL. In 2023, he led the league with 2,023 scrimmage yards and tied for essentially the most touchdowns (21).
That efficiency earned him Offensive Participant of the Yr, first-team All-Professional, and a Professional Bowl nod.
The 49ers’ speeding assault felt his absence final yr. The workforce dropped from third in complete speeding yards in 2023 (2,389 yards, 27 TDs) to twelfth in 2024 (2,163 yards, 17 TDs).
Who Are The 49ers Backup Working Backs?
With Jordan Mason now in Minnesota, the 49ers will flip to Isaac Guerendo, rookie Jordan James, and undrafted free agent Corey Kiner for depth behind McCaffrey.
Guerendo ran for 420 yards final yr but in addition battled accidents. Coaching camp reps could possibly be restricted for McCaffrey as a consequence of potential paternity go away, giving others a shot to step up.
Will McCaffrey Be Prepared for the 2025 Season?
All indicators level to sure. McCaffrey appears to be like recovered and engaged in workforce actions. Whereas Shanahan and the medical employees plan to observe his reps, there’s no indication of any present setbacks.
Barring one other damage, McCaffrey is predicted to guide the 49ers backfield when the 2025 season kicks off.
His presence is much more essential after San Francisco’s disappointing 6-11 end in 2024. A wholesome McCaffrey could possibly be the spark the 49ers have to return to playoff rivalry.
49ers Harm Replace
A number of different 49ers are nonetheless working their method again:
Brandon Aiyuk (knee) – Anticipated again by coaching camp
Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle surgical procedure) – Out till coaching camp
Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) – Unlikely to return till July
Yetur Gross-Matos – Excused for paternity go away
Rookies Alfred Collins and Marques Sigle are additionally sidelined
Left sort out Trent Williams has missed latest OTAs however is predicted to return earlier than necessary minicamp on June 10.
