49ers’ Kyle Juszczyk gives ‘incredible’ Christian McCaffrey update amid injury return

The San Francisco 49ers are focused on rebounding from a disappointing 6-11 season in 2024, with hopes pinned significantly on Christian McCaffrey's return to health for the 2025 campaign. McCaffrey, who missed most of last season due to injuries including issues with both Achilles tendons and a knee, is receiving strong praise from teammates during offseason preparations.

Veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk offered a highly optimistic assessment of McCaffrey's condition, declaring him "arguably the best player in the NFL" who "looks incredible, so healthy, and so explosive." Juszczyk highlighted McCaffrey's 2023 Offensive Player of the Year performance where he rushed for 1,459 yards with 14 touchdowns and totaled over 2,000 scrimmage yards, powering the 49ers to the Super Bowl.

McCaffrey's 2024 season was severely limited by injuries, restricting him to just four games where he managed only 202 rushing yards with no touchdowns. The 49ers' offense struggled significantly without him and other weapons like Deebo Samuel (traded to Washington), causing the team to fall from NFC champions to last place in the NFC West.

Juszczyk expressed strong confidence in the team's current trajectory, stating the 2025 offseason has been "one of the best summers we've had in a long time" with full participation and high camaraderie. He specifically noted the importance of quarterback Brock Purdy's contract extension removing uncertainty.

Juszczyk himself nearly departed after being cut for salary cap reasons, visiting the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency, but ultimately re-signed due to his deep connections with the organization. The upcoming Super Bowl being hosted at Levi's Stadium provides extra motivation, though Juszczyk emphasized the team remains focused on training camp preparation.