San Francisco 49ers Running Back Rounding Into Form For 2025 Season

Anyone who’s been following the San Francisco 49ers over the past couple of seasons knows the rollercoaster ride that is Christian McCaffrey’s health status. One minute, he is breaking ankles and setting records; the next, he is on the injury report. But folks, buckle up because CMC is back, and he is looking absolutely electric. Can he remain on the field?

McCaffrey’s Phoenix-Like Rise From the Ashes

Watching McCaffrey last season was like watching your favorite restaurant slowly run out of menu items. First, the Achilles went, then the knee decided to join the party. The man who torched defenses for 2,023 yards from scrimmage in 2023 suddenly looked mortal, managin g just 202 rushing yards in four games before calling it quits.

But here’s the thing about generational talents. They don’t stay down long. Through five weeks of training camp, the superstar has been practically glued to the practice field, and teammates are taking notice in a big way. “You all have eyes like I do, Christian looks fantastic,” said All-Pro Left Tackle Trent Williams. “He looks like Offensive Player of the Year Christian.”

The Speed Demon Is Back In Business

Head Coach Kyle Shanahan casually dropped that the star back hit 25 mph on GPS readings during practice. That is faster than most people drive through school zones, and this dude is doing it while carrying a football and dodging 300-pound defensive linemen who want to separate his soul from his body.

Brock Purdy, who has seen his fair share of impressive athletic feats, can barely contain his excitement. “He keeps telling all of us in the locker r oom, he’s like, ‘Dude, I can’t wait. I can’t wait,” Purdy said.

The 49ers Injury Bug Strikes Again

Of course, because this is the 49ers we’re talking about, McCaffrey’s health is basically the lone bright spot in what’s turning into a medical tent convention. The receiver room looks like it got hit by a tactical nuke. Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings , Jacob Cowing, Jordan Watkins, and now Russell Gage are all dealing with various ailments. Enter Skyy Moore, fresh off a trade from Kansas City. It is not exactly a blockbuster move, but when your receiver room resembles a MASH unit, you take what you can get.

The Bottom Line

McCaffrey’s health changes everything for this offense. We are talking about a player who single-handedly transformed this team when he arrived in 2022. The man who tied for the league lead with 21 touchdowns in 2023 is back to treating every practice rep like his hair is on fire.

49ers fans have every right to be cautiously optimistic. But watching McCaffrey dance through drills and hearing teammates rave about his condition should have fans everywhere marking their calendars for September. Because when McCaffrey is healthy and motivated, defenses are in for a tough game.