The San Francisco 49ers have made a significant investment in securing Brock Purdy as their starting quarterback for the long haul. As the team looks to capitalize on this commitment, the health and performance of star running back Christian McCaffrey will be crucial.
However, concerns about McCaffrey’s durability have arisen. Last season, he struggled with bilateral Achilles tendonitis and a torn PCL, which affected his performance, resulting in a modest average of 4.0 yards per carry. Grant Cohn from Sports Illustrated has noted that despite the team’s hopes, McCaffrey took a cautious approach to recovering from his injuries last year, waiting several weeks before making his season debut, which may have contributed to his lackluster output.
With the 49ers having traded backup running back Jordan Mason to Minnesota, the burden falls on second-year player Isaac Guerendo to provide depth in the backfield. While Guerendo shows potential, he remains untested compared to McCaffrey’s established skills.
Age could also be a factor in McCaffrey’s recovery process, as he is now 30 years old, raising questions about how quickly he can return to his elite form. While 49ers fans will remain hopeful for a successful season, rivals may see these concerns as an opportunity to exploit.
Given the team’s ongoing adjustments and focus on player health, the hope is that McCaffrey will overcome these challenges, allowing the 49ers to maximize their offensive capabilities as they seek to contend for championship honors this season.