49ers Star Reveals Christian McCaffrey Looks 'So Explosive' at SF OTAs After Injury-Plagued 2024

The San Francisco 49ers experienced a dramatic decline in the 2024-25 season, winning only six games after reaching Super Bowl 58 the previous year. Christian McCaffrey's absence, primarily due to injuries, is cited as the biggest reason for their downfall, resulting in a last-place finish in the NFC West with just one division win.

This collapse starkly contrasted with the 2023 season, where McCaffrey, in his first full year with the 49ers, amassed over 2,023 all-purpose yards and 21 touchdowns, propelling the team to the Super Bowl. His impact was significant despite their overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

McCaffrey's 2024-25 season was severely limited by injuries. An Achilles injury kept him out until Week 10, and after playing just four games (recording 348 scrimmage yards with no touchdowns), a knee injury ended his season early. The 49ers lost four of their final five games without him.

However, McCaffrey is now participating in offseason OTAs and reports feeling fully healed. Veteran teammate Kyle Juszczyk observed that McCaffrey looks "incredible," "healthy," and "explosive" again, expressing optimism about his return to top form. Juszczyk emphasized McCaffrey's value, calling him arguably the best player in the NFL and the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year.

While McCaffrey's productivity and performance when healthy are unquestioned, his ability to stay on the field remains the primary concern. The 49ers are hopeful he can maintain his health and elite level of play for the 2025 season.