The San Francisco 49ers have one of the best running backs in the entire NFL in Christian McCaffrey, but his career has been too often plagues by injuries.
He only played four games this past season due to Achilles tendinitis, so he will be looking to stay healthy and stay on the field in 2025 so the Niners can contend for the top spot in the NFC West.
In a recent article by PFF's Ryan Smith, he puts together a list of who he thinks are the top 10 players returning from injury this season. And somewhat unsurprisingly, the 49ers superstar is at the very top of the list.
"In 2022 and 2023, McCaffrey was the most complete back in football, earning 90.0-plus PFF grades in both seasons while forcing 155 missed tackles, the most in the league during that span," Smith wrote. "Last month, he reported having “zero restrictions” as the 49ers began their offseason program. He’ll be a critical piece for a San Francisco team looking to reassert itself in the NFC after three straight conference title game appearances."
The 49ers were dead last in the NFC West in 2024 with a 6-11 record, and that disappointing season was due in no small part to the injury to McCaffrey.
But when he is on the field, the 28-year-old running back is an absolute machine.
In his first full season with the 49ers in 2023, McCaffrey racked up 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. But in true McCaffrey fashion, he also had 564 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game as well.
With him appearing in just four games in 2024, the star back could be considered the frontrunner for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award this year. If he can play to the level most expect of him, he could be well on his way to adding to his already impressive resume.
