CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan appeared on CBS Sports HQ and was asked about the prospects of the 49ers having a fully healthy McCaffrey, who only played four games last season.
"I think you have to be a little weary, and it's for everything you were just alluding to," Sullivan said. "This is a guy who is literally a cheat code in human form in the NFL when he's fully healthy, but it's that last little bit, it's when he's fully healthy."
Moreover, Sullivan cited an interesting fact that should be concerning, as the two years after leading the NFL in touches haven't been too kind to McCaffrey. As a result, this could be a foreshadowing of what to expect from the 49ers standout.
"One of the things I've talked about throughout this offseason, leading into training camp, is this one little nugget about Christian McCaffrey that's still sticking with me," Sullivan added. "Going back to 2023, he led the NFL in touches and we all know what happened the following year. Last season, he was limited to just four games. The only other time he led the NFL in touches was back in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers.
"In the next two seasons combined, he played only 10 games, three one year and seven the next. I hope history doesn't repeat itself, where injuries hold him back for a while and it takes years for him to get back to full form. Because, again, if he's the Christian McCaffrey we hope to see, that's always a good sign. If so, this offense has a tremendously high ceiling. But if he's injured, well, you saw what happened last year, they will struggle."
With the number of injuries the 49ers face in the wide receiver group, San Francisco could lean heavily on McCaffrey to start the season. It will be interesting to see if the star running back has put any injury issues behind him, and he can carry the San Francisco offense until the receivers start to return.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Writer urges 49ers to consider trading one player—at the right price
There was plenty of speculation surrounding San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones this offseason. Many believed the team could trade Brock Purdy's backup before or during the 2026 NFL Draft. That never materialized, and Jones appears poised to remain Purdy's primary backup... -
49ers' Christian McCaffrey wins Best Comeback Athlete at the 2026 ESPYS
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey was honored as the Best Comeback Athlete on Wednesday night at the 2026 ESPYS in New York. McCaffrey earned the award over golfer Anthony Kim, Angel City FC defender Savy King, and Texas A&M volleyball standout Kyndal... -
Can the 49ers' aging core hold on? Insider reveals top concern for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2026 season with legitimate Super Bowl aspirations, as they have for several years. The roster is talented enough to make another deep playoff run, but can the team keep pace in what could be the NFL's toughest division? The NFC West features... -
Former 49ers star says 'rest in peace' to Brandon Aiyuk's NFL career
Brandon Aiyuk has targeted just about everyone on social media this offseason—the San Francisco 49ers, his former agent, the NFL Players Association, and even his friend, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Now, one former 49ers standout believes Aiyuk may have...