NFL Analyst Casts Major Doubt on ‘Perpetually Injured’ Christian McCaffrey and 49ers’ Outlook for 2025

Christian McCaffrey is acknowledged as an elite but injury-prone player. Despite concerns about his durability, highlighted by Nick Wright's comments noting his history of missing games (37 since 2020) and increased wear, the San Francisco 49ers made a significant investment to acquire him via trade with the Carolina Panthers.

McCaffrey's impact on the 49ers' offense is substantial. In 2023, he played all 16 games, led the NFL with 2,023 scrimmage yards and 21 touchdowns, and the team averaged 28.9 points per game with him. Without him, their performance significantly declined, averaging only 20.3 points and finishing 6-11.

Now 29 years old and claiming to be back at "full speed," McCaffrey has surpassed 10,000 career scrimmage yards and 81 total touchdowns. He is a versatile weapon, functioning as RB1, WR2, safety valve, and power runner. His proven playoff performance (522 rushing yards, 9 TDs in 7 games) underscores his value in crucial moments, though injury concerns persist.

The 49ers are heavily reliant on McCaffrey for their offensive success and hope his health holds as they aim to return to top form with QB Brock Purdy. They face a challenging NFC West division in 2025, with strong competition expected from the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.