San Francisco 49ers All-Pro running back, Christian McCaffrey, shared some positive news about his recovery as he looks ahead to the 2024 season.
After struggling with injuries throughout 2024, McCaffrey said that he feels “great” and is confident about his health heading into the team’s minicamp.
The running back, who is known for his versatility and explosive performance, has been putting in the hard work to return to his best form.
2023 Season Success and Setbacks
McCaffrey had a stellar 2023 season, helping the 49ers win the NFC West title and make a Super Bowl appearance. His performance earned him the prestigious Offensive Player of the Year award.
He dominated the league in rushing yards (1,459), total yards from scrimmage (2,023), and total touchdowns (21). However, his momentum was cut short during training camp of 2024 when he suffered a calf/Achilles injury.
This injury, combined with a PCL injury in Week 12, limited him to just four games that season.
Focus on Recovery
Despite the setbacks, McCaffrey has been committed to his recovery and has been working tirelessly to ensure he is fully prepared for the upcoming season. Speaking to reporters at a recent minicamp, he explained the steps he took during the offseason.
“I think this offseason I spent a lot of time kind of building back a base, starting from scratch,” McCaffrey said. He mentioned focusing on rehab and aiming to return to full fitness in time for OTAs.
His goal was clear: to not miss a single day of OTAs and get back on the field in top shape. He added that he feels great now, and is ready to kick off his training again.
Adjusting to Age and Injury History
Having been drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2017, McCaffrey has become one of the NFL’s top dual-threat running backs when healthy.
However, injuries have been an ongoing issue throughout his career. After missing significant time in 2020 and 2021 due to various injuries, McCaffrey returned to form in 2022 after being traded to the 49ers midseason.
Now 29 years old and heading into his ninth season, McCaffrey acknowledged that he needed to adjust his offseason training.
“I’ve had a lot of people tell me as you get older you need to do less. I think there’s a middle ground with that statement,” he said. He explained that it’s important to assess how the body feels and trust the support of trainers and treatment staff to ensure his body is in the best shape for the season ahead.
Looking Forward to 2024
McCaffrey’s injury struggles in 2024 were a setback for both him and the 49ers, especially after the team ended the season with a disappointing 6-11 record.
However, McCaffrey’s commitment to his recovery and his optimistic outlook for the upcoming season provide hope for both him and the team.
With McCaffrey feeling “great” and fully involved in team activities, including OTAs and minicamp, the 49ers are excited to see him return to full strength as they aim to bounce back in the 2024 season.
Christian McCaffrey’s dedication to recovering from his injuries shows his commitment to getting back to his top form.
With a strong 2023 performance under his belt and a promising recovery so far, McCaffrey is determined to make a significant impact in the 2024 season. The 49ers and their fans are eagerly anticipating his return, hoping that he will help lead the team back to playoff contention.
