Now healthy, McCaffrey is looking to bounce back and return to his 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year form. If he can stay on the field, the 49ers' offense has a legitimate chance to reclaim its status as one of the league's most potent forces.
Bleacher Report's Moe Moton recently ranked the best running back duos heading into the 2025 season, and McCaffrey and second-year back Isaac Guerendo came in at No. 6. Moton acknowledges McCaffrey's elite talent but also points to his recent injuries—Achilles tendinitis and a PCL issue—as potential cause for concern.
The silver lining for San Francisco is Guerendo's emergence last season. With the running back room hit by injuries, Guerendo gained critical experience and proved he could contribute. That development gives the 49ers a chance to manage McCaffrey's workload and reduce his injury risk.
"So, Isaac Guerendo could have a sizeable role as the No. 2 tailback following a productive year as the third-stringer," Moton wrote. "Last year, the 24-year-old ran for 420 yards and four touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry in 16 contests. He started in three outings in place of McCaffrey and Jordan Mason."
The 49ers also added depth by selecting running back Jordan James in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, Guerendo remains the clear favorite to serve as McCaffrey's primary backup after the team traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings.
With a healthy McCaffrey and a rising Guerendo, San Francisco may boast one of the most well-rounded backfields in the NFL this season.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Maxx Crosby to the 49ers among bold NFL training camp predictions
A young San Francisco 49ers fan recently approached Maxx Crosby, pleading for the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end to join her favorite team. Crosby couldn't help but laugh before responding, "I can't. I can't. Hey, I still appreciate you doing your homework, though. You never... -
49ers' Mykel Williams among NFL's second-year players facing the most pressure
For the San Francisco 49ers, the defensive front was once a strength of the team, consistently disrupting opposing quarterbacks and overwhelming offensive lines. That wasn't the case last season, however, as the unit recorded just 20 sacks—the fewest in the NFL. Determined... -
49ers' QB situation ranked best in the NFL
The San Francisco 49ers proved last season why they may have the NFL's best quarterback situation. When starter Brock Purdy missed time with a turf toe injury, veteran backup Mac Jones stepped in and kept the offense on track with consistently strong play. Jones went 5-3 in... -
49ers executive Paraag Marathe reportedly among finalists for MLS Commissioner
Major League Soccer is searching for a successor to Commissioner Don Garber, and one of the reported finalists could be a familiar—and potentially concerning—name for San Francisco 49ers fans. According to John Ourand of Puck, the search has been narrowed to three...