Kyle Juszczyk's positive Christian McCaffrey update is nice, but the real test remains
McCaffrey missed all but four games last season because of Achilles and knee injuries, raising questions about the 29-year-old's ability to return at full strength in 2025. Fullback Kyle Juszczyk had a positive update on McCaffrey while talking with the Athletic's Vic Tafur at the American Century Championship.
"Christian is arguably the best player in the NFL," Juszczyk told Tafur. "He was the offensive player of the year two years ago. He changes everything, and he looks incredible. He looks so healthy, he looks so explosive."
No news on McCaffrey was good news through the offseason program. The star running back was a full participant throughout OTAs and gave enough reps for his teammate to feel good about where he's at going into training camp.
While the vote of confidence from Juszczyk is good, it's also important to note that a teammate isn't liable to tell a reporter McCaffrey didn't look good. Even if we take Juszczyk at his word, getting through OTAs isn't the real test for the 2023 Offensive Player of the Year.
We'll get a good idea of where McCaffrey is when training camp begins, pads come on, and the reps are more real.
McCaffrey, Juszczyk and the rest of the 49ers veterans report to camp on July 22, with the first practice slated for July 24.
More 49ers: 5th-round pick is 49ers choice for rookie who could surprise in 2025
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