The San Francisco 49ers need Christian McCaffrey to be the offensive force he was two years ago.
When healthy, he’s arguably the most dynamic weapon in the NFL.
Alas, he’s not fully healthy that often.
That’s why analyst Brian Baldinger is worried about him.
The former offensive lineman shared his honest thoughts on the grim outlook McCaffrey could be facing.
“His body has worn down. That’s what all of that inflammation he had last year is a result of. Did he shake that all off? … There’s just so many hits that any of these guys have in them, and you just don’t know when the dropoff is going to happen, because I have a feeling it’s going to be pretty severe,” he said, via 95.7 The Game.
"His body has worn down. That's what all of that inflammation he had last year is a result of. Did he shake that all off… There's just so many hits that any of these guys have in them, and you just don't know when the drop off is going to happen, because I have a feeling it's… pic.twitter.com/XZ3xbz1yrO
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 7, 2025
The Niners knew what they were getting into when they traded for him during the 2022 season.
McCaffrey dominated like few players in the game with the Carolina Panthers, but his injury woes were also a red flag.
The following year, he ran away with the Offensive Player of the Year award.
He was an unstoppable force out of the backfield as a runner and a receiver, and a constant presence in the end zone.
Everybody can run the ball in head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but no one can do what McCaffrey does.
He missed most of last season with multiple leg injuries, and some are worried that he may never return to his former level.
If that’s the case, this season could be another disappointing one for the Niners.
Quarterback Brock Purdy has struggled when McCaffrey hasn’t been on the field, and this is a physical game, so injuries are always a part of the equation.
NEXT: Insider Shuts Down Big Concerns About 49ers' Offense