Kyle Shanahan says Christian McCaffrey is “as wholesome as could be” after an injury-shortened 2024 season.
Is Christian McCaffrey Wholesome Once more?
San Francisco 49ers working again Christian McCaffrey seems to be able to return to elite type after lacking most of final season with accidents.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan confirmed throughout the staff’s offseason coaching actions (OTAs) that McCaffrey is “as wholesome as could be,” a welcome replace for 49ers followers after a turbulent 2024 marketing campaign.
McCaffrey, who turns 29 this summer time, was restricted to only 4 video games final 12 months attributable to 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 working drills at full pace.
Why Did Christian McCaffrey Miss Video games Final Season?
In 2024, McCaffrey handled bilateral Achilles tendinitis and a proper knee challenge that price him 13 video games.
He first went down throughout coaching camp and re-aggravated the knee damage in Week 13 in opposition to Buffalo, ending his season.
He completed the 12 months with simply 202 dashing 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.
In response to Shanahan, the staff is being cautious along with his workload, however the veteran again seems to be assured, fast, and wholesome.
“Christian is as prepared as any participant I’ve ever been round,” Shanahan stated. “He’s wholesome as could be.”
Tight finish George Kittle echoed that optimism, stating, “He’s nonetheless actually good at soccer… one 12 months faraway from being Offensive Participant of the 12 months.”
How Good is Christian McCaffrey When Wholesome?
When wholesome, McCaffrey is arguably the very best all-around working again within the NFL. In 2023, he led the league with 2,023 scrimmage yards and tied for probably the most touchdowns (21).
That efficiency earned him Offensive Participant of the 12 months, first-team All-Professional, and a Professional Bowl nod.
The 49ers’ dashing assault felt his absence final 12 months. The staff dropped from third in whole dashing yards in 2023 (2,389 yards, 27 TDs) to twelfth in 2024 (2,163 yards, 17 TDs).
Who Are The 49ers Backup Operating 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 12 months but in addition battled accidents. Coaching camp reps might be restricted for McCaffrey attributable to 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 seems to be recovered and engaged in staff actions. Whereas Shanahan and the medical workers plan to observe his reps, there’s no indication of any present setbacks.
Barring one other damage, McCaffrey is anticipated 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 might be the spark the 49ers must return to playoff rivalry.
49ers Damage Replace
A number of different 49ers are nonetheless working their method again:
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Brandon Aiyuk (knee) – Anticipated again by coaching camp
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Ji’Ayir Brown (ankle surgical procedure) – Out till coaching camp
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Ricky Pearsall (hamstring) – Unlikely to return till July
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Yetur Gross-Matos – Excused for paternity go away
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Rookies Alfred Collins and Marques Sigle are additionally sidelined
Left sort out Trent Williams has missed latest OTAs however is anticipated to return earlier than obligatory minicamp on June 10.
