The song remains the same in 2025 for Christian McCaffrey apparently.
The San Francisco 49ers listed their star running back McCaffrey as limited at Thursday’s practice due to a calf issue. Adam Schefter of ESPN notes that McCaffrey was a full participant in practice during Wednesday’s session for the 49ers.
That is an ominous sign for the three-time Pro Bowler McCaffrey, who is often hurt and appeared in just four games last season due to injury. But a calf problem is especially concering for McCaffrey, whose calf was one of the issues that caused him to miss extended time in 2024 (along with his Achilles and his knee).
The 49ers are slated to open up the 2025 season on the road on Sunday against the NFC West division rival Seattle Seahawks (with their bye not coming until Week 14). While it is entirely possible that McCaffrey will still able to play in the opener, an apparent setback with his health is not at all what the team wants to deal with right now.
Behind McCaffrey, San Francisco did manage to trade for a capable veteran rusher just a few weeks ago. Isaac Guerendo and rookie Jordan James are both lurking on the team’s depth chart as well.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old McCaffrey is still signed with the 49ers through 2027 and is currently the second highest-paid running back in the NFL by average annual value (behind only Philadelphia’s Saquon Barkley). Unfortunately though, it looks like the injury bug is once again threatening to hamper McCaffrey in 2025.
