49ers Running Back Room: Injury Updates and Future Outlook

The San Francisco 49ers’ running back room faced significant injury adversity throughout the 2024 season. Christian McCaffrey, a key player, missed most of the year due to Achilles tendinitis before suffering a knee injury in his fourth game. Jordan Mason, who excelled as McCaffrey’s stand-in, was also sidelined for the year with a high ankle sprain in a snowy game against the Buffalo Bills. Rookie Isaac Guerendo, who took the lead role in the backfield, was carted off during the first series of the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals with knee and ankle injuries.

Despite the uncertainty about the future of restricted free agent Mason, both McCaffrey and Guerendo provided updates on their recoveries, offering clarity on their physical conditions as the 49ers prepare for 2025.

Speaking to reporters on the 49ers’ exit day, 2023 Offensive Player of the Year McCaffrey shared his recovery progress from a partially torn PCL. According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, McCaffrey is “definitely close” to being fully recovered and would have likely returned if the 49ers had made the playoffs. He also confirmed that his Achilles issue has “100 percent” calmed down and won’t be a problem next season. “I’m feeling great now, and it’s just a matter of putting together the best offseason possible, working extremely hard and coming back for OTAs ready to go,” McCaffrey said.

Guerendo, though not present at Monday’s media session, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had not suffered any ACL damage and vowed to be “back better than ever.” This suggests he will be ready to make his return when the 49ers start OTAs in the spring.

While there is uncertainty about keeping Mason, and with Elijah Mitchell a free agent after missing the entire year due to injury, the 49ers can still have confidence in their backfield options for next season with McCaffrey and Guerendo seemingly on track for a full offseason of preparations.

As the Niners gear up for 2025, the potential return of McCaffrey and Guerendo provides hope and stability for the team’s running game, despite the challenges faced this past season. Will they bounce back stronger than ever and lead the 49ers to new heights? The offseason will be crucial in determining their readiness and impact.