The San Francisco 49ers are facing another injury challenge as they prepare for their 2025 season opener. Star running back Christian McCaffrey has been listed as a limited participant in practice due to a calf injury. This development comes just days before the 49ers are set to face the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

McCaffrey, 29, missed most of the previous season after suffering an Achilles injury, playing in only four games. His injury history has been a concern, as he also missed significant time during the 2020 and 2021 seasons, appearing in just 10 games over those two years. Despite these setbacks, McCaffrey had shown promise during training camp, leading head coach Kyle Shanahan to comment positively on his performance.

"Yeah. I think he hit like 25 [mph] yesterday or something like that. I’m just making that up," Shanahan joked, referring to McCaffrey's speed. "He’s doing awesome. He’s as fast as he’s been. He’s quick. He’s strong. He’s Christian McCaffrey."

Teammates have echoed Shanahan's sentiments. Left tackle Trent Williams noted that McCaffrey appeared to be in top form. "You all have eyes like I do, Christian looks fantastic," Williams said. "He looks like Offensive Player of the Year Christian. It’s really refreshing to see, knowing what he had to deal with last year."

Quarterback Brock Purdy also expressed confidence in McCaffrey's readiness for the season. "Obviously physically he looks great, getting in and out of cuts, running hard. Back to the McCaffrey that we all know," Purdy stated. He added that McCaffrey is eager to contribute this season, saying, "He keeps telling all of us in the locker room, he’s like, ‘Dude, I can’t wait. I can’t wait.’"

In addition to McCaffrey's injury, the 49ers are also dealing with other player ailments. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings was limited in practice due to a calf issue, while Brandon Aiyuk is expected to miss several weeks due to a torn ACL. Starting right tackle Dominick Puni is also limited with a knee injury.

As the 49ers look to bounce back from a challenging 2024 season, maintaining player health will be crucial. They are set to begin their 2025 schedule with what is considered one of the NFL's easiest slates. However, the team's success may hinge on their ability to avoid further injuries.