The San Francisco 49ers are heading into the start of the 2025 NFL season with a major question mark over their star running back, Christian McCaffrey.
Just days before their opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the 29-year-old was added to the team’s injury report with a calf issue, raising alarm bells for fans and coaching staff alike.
A History of Injuries Raises Worries
McCaffrey’s injury comes on the back of a challenging few seasons.
Last year, he missed 13 games due to Achilles tendonitis and a season-ending knee ligament tear.
In 2023, he was the driving force behind the 49ers’ Super Bowl run, only for the team to fall to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Though he had practiced fully on Wednesday, Thursday’s limited session was a setback that could impact his availability for Sunday’s road game in Seattle.
With a long season ahead, head coach Kyle Shanahan may be cautious about rushing him back too soon, and McCaffrey’s health could play a huge role in the team’s overall success in 2025.
Previous Setbacks Could Signal a Pattern
McCaffrey’s Achilles issues first appeared last year as a calf problem, which makes this latest development even more concerning for 49ers supporters.
After returning from that injury, he only played in four games before suffering the knee injury in a snowy clash against the Buffalo Bills.
Despite these setbacks, McCaffrey entered training camp in strong form.
His offseason included welcoming his first child with wife Olivia Culpo, and he reportedly looked sharp throughout camp.
Shanahan’s Optimism Amid Concern
Head coach Shanahan remained positive in August about McCaffrey’s condition:
“I see Christian looking the same as he always has looked. He came in healthy this year.
He had a hell of an offseason. He’s had a hell of a training camp, and I believe that’s going to lead to a hell of a year,” he said on KNBR radio.
However, McCaffrey did not speak to reporters on Thursday as expected, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Looking Ahead: Early Season Matchups
The 49ers face a challenging early schedule. After their opener against the Seahawks, they travel to face the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 before returning home to host the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3.
The availability and performance of McCaffrey in these games could be a defining factor in how the 49ers navigate the first stretch of the season.