Christian McCaffrey is gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season with the San Francisco 49ers after a challenging 2024 marred by injuries. As the 49ers’ offensive leader, McCaffrey’s return could mark a major shift in the NFL, potentially ending Joe Burrow’s recent dominance and sparking a resurgence for San Francisco.
The Impact of McCaffrey’s Injury on the 49ers’ Fortunes
McCaffrey’s absence during the 2024 season drastically affected the 49ers’ performance. Known as the driving force behind Kyle Shanahan’s offense, his presence on the field had propelled San Francisco to back-to-back NFC Championship appearances and a Super Bowl showing. In 2023 alone, McCaffrey accumulated 1,459 rushing yards and 21 total touchdowns, proving his critical role.
However, injuries derailed that momentum. McCaffrey missed the first eight games of 2024 due to bilateral Achilles problems and later suffered a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injury to his right knee. With limited playtime and no touchdowns, the 49ers slumped to a 6–11 record, missing the playoffs entirely—an abrupt reversal after winning 35 games from 2021 to 2023. Without their All-Pro running back, the offense struggled to find rhythm or consistency.
A Season Dominated by Joe Burrow: The Challenge Ahead
While McCaffrey battled recovery, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals seized the spotlight. Burrow made history by securing the AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year award for the second time with the same team, setting a high bar for returning players. After wrist surgery in 2023, he led the league in passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43), setting a dominant standard in the quarterback position.
Despite Burrow’s momentum, early analyses predict that McCaffrey’s imminent return could upset the balance of power. The 49ers running back’s ability to influence games, coupled with a fully healthy status, positions him as a prime candidate to reclaim top honors in 2025, including challenging Burrow for the Comeback Player of the Year crown.
Christian McCaffrey Tops Return-From-Injury Lists for 2025
Pro Football Focus (PFF) has placed McCaffrey at the peak of players making comebacks this season. According to PFF analyst Ryan Smith,
“After a lost 2024 season, the 49ers star is healthy, unrestricted, and eyeing a massive comeback.”
This sentiment reflects widespread optimism regarding McCaffrey’s physical health and potential impact.
PFF names Niners RB Christian McCaffrey the top player returning from injury in 2025. After a lost 2024 season, the 49ers star is healthy, unrestricted, and eyeing a massive comeback.Could CPOY be next? #49ers #FTTB pic.twitter.com/pJpe0ipXcF — 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) May 26, 2025
McCaffrey’s statistics from prior seasons underpin this recognition. Since joining San Francisco in 2022, he has consistently demonstrated elite performance, amassing a Pro Football Focus grade above 90.0 and forcing a league-leading 155 missed tackles over two seasons. His skill set makes him one of the most versatile and dangerous backs in the NFL when healthy.
Offseason Developments and Team Commitment Signal a Fresh Start
The 2025 offseason suggests the 49ers intend to build around McCaffrey without reservation. The team traded backup running back Jordan Mason to Minnesota, signaling confidence that their offense will revolve heavily around McCaffrey’s talents. At recent Organized Team Activities (OTAs), McCaffrey confirmed his readiness, sharing with reporters,
“It’s been such a smooth process, a lot of hard work. As soon as that injury happened in Buffalo, I made it my goal not to miss a day of OTAs… and that’s where I’m at.”
This underscores his dedication to returning at full strength.
San Francisco has also secured stability at key positions. Quarterback Brock Purdy recently signed a contract extension, while core leaders George Kittle and Fred Warner have re-upped, ensuring that the team’s foundation remains intact. With such commitments, the 49ers have clearly outlined their mission: make a deep playoff run fueled by McCaffrey’s resurgence.
The Stakes for the 2025 Season: Redemption or Regret?
For the 49ers and McCaffrey, the 2025 campaign carries significant weight. The team’s earlier success was directly tied to their star running back’s health and production, and his absence last year was followed by a sharp decline. Now fully healthy and supported by a strong roster, McCaffrey is expected not only to revive the offense but to lead them deep into the postseason.
Should McCaffrey maintain his health and top form, he would likely secure the Comeback Player of the Year title and potentially help the 49ers claim the Vince Lombardi Trophy, ending Joe Burrow’s streak of dominance. Conversely, failure to rebound could cast another season of “what ifs” over San Francisco’s ambitions, raising questions about the team’s durability and offensive viability.
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Christian McCaffrey’s performance and whether he can truly restore the 49ers to championship contention, challenging Joe Burrow for NFL supremacy.