It was a frustrating 2024 campaign for Christian McCaffrey. The San Francisco 49ers star unexpectedly missed the first nine games of the season with Achilles tendinitis. Upon his return, he wasn't his usual self. Just when he was rounding into form, McCaffrey went down with a knee injury in Week 13 against the Bills and didn't play again.
Even though 49ers fans are hoping for an active offseason to bolster their roster and get back to their winning ways, none of it will matter if CMC isn't back playing at an All-Pro level. The star rusher was arguably the best offensive player in the league in 2023, and without him, the 49ers offense looked like a shell of itself in 2024.
John Lynch Provides Christian McCaffrey Injury Update at the Combine
Fortunately for 49ers fans, the latest update on McCaffrey is a positive one. During the NFL Scouting Combine, GM John Lynch gave the latest on the 28-year-old rusher's status, per Myles Simmons of NBC Sports.
"Christian’s doing really well. I think he was really frustrated with the way last season went. He’s doing everything possible as he did in preparation for last year. We’re hoping ‘CMC’ is out there and going to have a tremendous year. If he’s healthy, he will have a tremendous year. That’s just what he does."49ers GM John Lynch
Lynch added that McCaffrey will participate in "at least parts" of the team's offseason program while praising his work ethic and how he has been tackling his rehab.
McCaffrey suffered the PCL injury on December 1. This gives him nine months before the start of the 2025 season to get healthy. How much of the OTAs, minicamp, and the training camp McCaffrey will participate in before then remains to be seen. Regardless, it is a great sign that he is on track with his recovery.