San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is determined to move beyond a challenging 2024 season marred by injuries. After playing in only four games due to Achilles tendinitis and later a knee injury, McCaffrey spent much of the year on injured reserve, limiting his impact on the field. The 49ers struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 6-11 record and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020.
The Focus on Recovery and a Strong Return in 2025
Now fully recovered, McCaffrey is focused on regaining his top form for the 2025 season with hopes of returning to the dominant level he displayed in 2023. At that time, he was recognized for outstanding offensive production and was a key player for the 49ers. Reflecting on his rehabilitation, McCaffrey expressed optimism last month as the team started its offseason workouts.
“It’s been such a smooth process, a lot of hard work.”
—Christian McCaffrey, running back
Experts Highlight McCaffrey as Essential for 49ers’ Playoff Bid
Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman singled out McCaffrey as the most important bounce-back player for the 49ers among all NFL teams this offseason. Wasserman emphasized that San Francisco’s return to postseason contention in 2025 depends heavily on McCaffrey’s ability to perform at his usual high level. He noted that in 2023, McCaffrey ranked among the top four running backs for both rushing and receiving grades but saw limited action last year due to injury setbacks.
“The 49ers will need Christian McCaffrey at full strength and playing at his usual high level if they hope to return to the postseason in 2025,”
Wasserman wrote.
“After ranking inside the top four qualified running backs in both rushing and receiving grade in 2023, McCaffrey was limited to just four games last season due to a series of lower-body injuries.”
—Dalton Wasserman, PFF analyst
McCaffrey’s 2024 statistics sharply contrast with his 2023 achievements; he accumulated only 348 scrimmage yards and no touchdowns compared to the previous year’s 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 total touchdowns. Despite these setbacks, Wasserman remains confident in McCaffrey’s ability to influence games when healthy.
“When healthy, he remains a game-changing presence wherever he lines up,”
he commented.
“San Francisco is counting on him to remain that kind of difference-maker for at least another season or two.”
—Dalton Wasserman, PFF analyst
McCaffrey’s Influence Key to 49ers’ Future Success
The 49ers‘ hopes of returning to the playoffs in 2025 may rest significantly on Christian McCaffrey’s recovery and resurgence. His elite performance could provide the offensive spark needed to lift the team back into contention. As McCaffrey prepares for the upcoming season, both fans and analysts alike will closely watch his progress, understanding that his form will likely shape San Francisco’s trajectory moving forward.