49ers Rely on Healthy McCaffrey After Mason Trade

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is returning to practice after missing most of the 2024 season with knee and Achilles injuries. Viral footage from OTAs shows McCaffrey looking explosive, and he claims to be fully healthy with no restrictions ahead of the 2025 season. Experts remain cautious due to his heavy 2023 workload and a decline in speed and agility observed during his brief 2024 appearances. The 49ers' offensive outlook for 2025 now hinges even more on McCaffrey's health following the trade of backup running back Jordan Mason. While McCaffrey is considered a strong candidate for Comeback Player of the Year, his risk for overuse injuries like Achilles tendonitis remains a concern. His ability to remain fit is seen as crucial to the team's postseason hopes.