49ers' Shanahan Gives Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk Injury Updates to Start Camp

As the San Francisco 49ers begin training camp, contrasting injury updates were provided for key players. Head coach Kyle Shanahan stated that star running back Christian McCaffrey and left tackle Trent Williams are present and healthy.

However, general manager John Lynch delivered less positive news regarding star receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Lynch indicated that Aiyuk, who suffered a torn ACL and MCL in Week 7 of the 2024 season, is "not anywhere close to having a concrete timeline" for his recovery. Aiyuk finished the 2024 season with 25 catches for 374 yards and no touchdowns, despite signing a four-year, $120 million contract extension before the season.

Christian McCaffrey also faced significant injury challenges in 2024. He missed the start of the year with Achilles tendonitis and, upon returning, suffered a PCL injury that limited him to just four games. He failed to score a touchdown for the first time in his eight-year career, following his NFL Offensive Player of the Year award in the previous season.

These and other injuries contributed to a disappointing 6-11 record for the 49ers in 2024.

While McCaffrey's return is seen as crucial for the 49ers' hopes of returning to playoff contention in 2025, the continued absence of Brandon Aiyuk raises major concerns about the team's receiving corps.