There have always been questions about San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey health throughout the years. McCaffrey missed time during the 2024 season with San Francisco because of injury.
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Bills Terrel Bernard tackles 49ers Christian McCaffrey during first half action of their home game against the San Francisco 49ers in Orchard Park on Dec. 1, 2024.
The 49ers finished with a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs. San Francisco is banking on him to being full strength entering the 2025 NFL season. He had an MVP caliber season in 2023. At 29 years old, McCaffrey probably still has juice left in the tank as long as his body doesn’t betray him. Is he still one of the top running backs in the NFL entering the 2025 season or are those days behind him?
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Dec 1, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA;San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) runs with the ball past Buffalo Bills safety Taylor Rapp (9) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Jeremy Fowler of espn.com talked to many different executives, coaches, and other people across the league about the running back position entering the 2025 NFL season. McCaffrey is ranked as the fifth best running back in the NFL entering the 2025 season, but one NFL executive has some concerns about McCaffrey. They said,
“He’s a great player, but he’s always had durability issues, even in college. He’s an elite trainer and takes great care of himself. He’s just not a big body and will lose a step eventually.”
With all of the injuries that he has had over the years, could the 2025 NFL season be the year where he finally slows down? It could happen if he does stay healthy the entire season. McCaffrey during the 2024 season with San Francisco rushed for 202 yards on 50 carries and zero touchdowns, along with averaging 4.0 yards per carry.
He also caught 15 passes for 146 yards receiving and zero touchdowns, along with averaging 9.7 yards per reception. McCaffrey will look to reach the end zone many times during the 2025 season after not reaching it all during the 2024 NFL season. His health and ability will decide how good the 49ers will be. If he doesn’t perform well, there is a chance that San Francisco is out of the playoffs for the second straight season.
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