By: OutOfSightSports
Date: 5/31/25
The San Francisco 49ers are breathing a collective sigh of relief after head coach Kyle Shanahan delivered the update fans have been craving: Christian McCaffrey is “as healthy as can be.” Shanahan told Yahoo’s Ian Casselberry that the star running back is fully participating in OTAs and showing no signs of last season’s lingering injuries.
McCaffrey, who turns 29 soon, was limited to just four games last season due to Achilles tendinitis in both ankles and a nagging right knee injury. The ailments robbed him of his trademark explosiveness and forced him to miss the bulk of the year. He managed only 202 rushing yards without a single touchdown, averaging just 4.0 yards per carry.
But the latest footage from OTAs in Santa Clara tells a different story. McCaffrey is back to making sharp cuts and showing explosive burst out of them—proof that he’s regained the athleticism that made him one of the NFL’s most dynamic weapons. Shanahan’s confident assessment only fuels optimism for what’s ahead in the 2025-26 season.
Just two seasons ago, McCaffrey was the league’s most productive offensive force, piling up a career-high and NFL-best 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding 564 yards and seven TDs on 67 catches. That remarkable year earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, First-Team All-Pro honors, and his third Pro Bowl selection.
His value to San Francisco is undeniable, and the front office rewarded him accordingly with a two-year, $38 million contract extension last June—keeping him in the red and gold through 2027.
The 49ers’ offense clearly missed his presence in 2024. They ranked 12th in the NFL in rushing with 2,163 yards and 17 TDs—a noticeable drop from their third-place finish the year prior, where McCaffrey helped lead the way with a league-best ground attack.
Last year’s leading rusher, Jordan Mason, contributed 789 yards despite battling injuries of his own, but he signed with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. That leaves Isaac Guerendo, who posted 420 yards while also dealing with injuries, as the team’s top returning rusher.
McCaffrey’s return to full health not only boosts the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes but also gives young backs like Guerendo, rookie Jordan James, and undrafted free agent Corey Kiner a chance to learn behind one of the best in the game—especially with McCaffrey expected to miss part of training camp for paternity leave.
As OTAs continue, it’s clear that Christian McCaffrey’s resurgence could be the storyline that defines the 49ers’ 2025 season. The Niners will be counting on his legs, vision, and versatility as they chase another deep playoff run.