The 2024 season was a disappointing one for the San Francisco 49ers, as it was filled with many injuries to key players. However, one of the 49ers' key losses was star running back Christian McCaffrey. The 28-year-old began the season on injured reserve with an Achilles injury. Though McCaffrey would return in Week 10, he once again suffered an injury in the Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills with a posterior cruciate ligament injury, which caused him to miss the remainder of the season.
That said, San Francisco kicked off their Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week and McCaffrey was active. Following their Thursday session, Matt Barrows of The Athletic released his observations from Thursday's OTA session. Barrows' biggest observation was about how McCaffrey looked.
He wrote, "But — whew! — Christian McCaffrey looked electric on one of his runs Thursday, one where he hopped through the line of scrimmage before accelerating past the linebackers and bursting up the middle of the field." Barrows added, " The run was evidence that McCaffrey, who missed the bulk of the 2024 season with Achilles and knee injuries, is back at full strength and looking more like his 2023 self. And it seemed symbolic of the extra pep the San Francisco 49ers seem to have this spring."
Christian McCaffrey looks like his 2023 self as re-energized 49ers begin OTAs. All the notes from Thursday’s session … https://t.co/HNje1jSnsG
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) May 30, 2025
Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy to Begin OTAs
Barrows' comments about McCaffrey should excite all 48ers fans. In the 28-year-old's absence, San Francisco wasn't quite as effective. Although the 49ers' rushing attack surpassed 100 yards in 12 games, McCaffrey's absence was felt.
In 2024, San Francisco averaged 127.2 rush yards per game. That is down from 138.3 in 2023 and 136.8 in 2022. While that didn't necessarily stop San Francisco from putting up points in a lot of their games last season, it is a significant drop-off.
Furthermore, McCaffrey's absence hurt the 49ers' receiving game out of the backfield. Although the other backs have the ability to catch, no one is as proficient at it as McCaffrey is. As a result, that aspect of the team took a massive hit.
Nevertheless, with McCaffery being back and looking good early in OTAs is a good sign. Still, the real test will come when the 49ers put pads on for mandatory minicamp, which starts on June 10.