If there's one major X-factor for the 49ers during OTAs, it's whether or not Christian McCaffrey will be fully healthy and available.
It's easy to overreact to a team's organized team activities. After all, it's the first (usually) full glimpse of a roster in advance of training camp. While there's no tackling or physical contact, the voluntary workouts provide an initial glimpse into how things are going to go the following season.
The San Francisco 49ers should be anticipating some feel-good vibes during OTAs this year, especially after having solved every one of their major contractual concerns already, particularly with quarterback Brock Purdy, linebacker Fred Warner and tight end George Kittle.
A year ago, though, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey ended up dealing with his own contractual issue that was soon followed by calf issues, which then stemmed into Achilles tendinitis that held him out from the first half of the 2024 campaign.
After four games played, McCaffrey was subsequently shelved for the rest of the year with a non-related knee issue.
McCaffrey told reporters he's fully healthy for 2025, which is reassuring.
However, whether or not he winds up participating fully during OTAs could be a major indication for not only his future status but also for the Niners offense as a whole.
OTAs may reveal painful truth about Christian McCaffrey, 49ers offense
McCaffrey typically partakes fully in offseason workouts despite them being voluntary, but last year's absences were viewed to be linked to his contract status.
Now, the soon-to-be 29 year old aims to bounce back to the 2023 version of himself when he seized the Offensive Player of the Year award and helped propel San Francisco into the Super Bowl.
Not the version that was limited to just four games, not aiding the 49ers beyond a frustrating 6-11 finish.
CBS Sports' Garrett Podell summed things up perfectly:
"In 2023, three-time Pro Bowl running back McCaffrey was the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year, and the 49ers reached overtime of the Super Bowl before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs. In 2024, McCaffrey played four games while dealing with bilateral Achilles tendonitis and a PCL injury in his knee, and the 49ers went 6-11. Those 11 losses were tied for the second by a team in the season after a Super Bowl loss ever.
How much the soon-to-be 29-year-old running back participates in OTAs and how he looks will be something to watch because San Francisco's 2025 hopes may rest on his banged up body. "
Kittle and Purdy will be expected to lead the Niners offense, yes. But, the fact San Francisco will likely be down two wide receiver to start the year in Brandon Aiyuk (knee) and Demarcus Robinson (suspension) means McCaffrey will have to shoulder an immediate load with a far greater sense of urgency.
Again, OTAs won't reveal much. But, if McCaffrey isn't actively involved in the workouts, it could be a sign he's not quite fully ready for the rigors of the regular season.
And that might be more problematic than fans would like to admit.
