Context:

Christian McCaffrey is set to play a pivotal role in the San Francisco 49ers' offense this season, following an absence due to an Achilles problem. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak emphasized McCaffrey's critical impact on the team's strategy, particularly in how opposing defenses must adjust their coverage. Despite his previous limited performance, McCaffrey is in good health and eager to contribute significantly. Coaches face the challenge of managing his on-field presence to ensure his health while maximizing his influence in games. The 49ers are poised to leverage McCaffrey's abilities fully before any potential decline in his career performance occurs.

Dive Deeper:

• Christian McCaffrey has recovered from an Achilles injury and is prepared to be a central figure in the 49ers' offense, according to offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak. Kubiak highlighted McCaffrey's elite status and the team's intention to utilize him extensively, both in running and passing plays.

• McCaffrey's presence on the field forces opposing defenses to alter their strategies, often requiring them to commit more players to stopping the run, which can open up other opportunities for the 49ers' offense.

• In 2024, McCaffrey's performance was limited to 202 rushing yards and no touchdowns, but he is now reported to be in excellent shape and participating actively in daily practices.

• Managing McCaffrey's playing time is a delicate balance for the coaching staff, as he is highly competitive and reluctant to leave the field, yet it is crucial to protect his health for sustained performance throughout the season.

• The 49ers are aware that they need to capitalize on McCaffrey's talents while he is in his prime, and there is an understanding that strategic game management may involve limiting his playtime in certain situations to preserve his longevity.

• The announcement of McCaffrey's readiness is a significant boost for 49ers fans, who are hopeful for a strong offensive showing this season with his full participation.

• The focus remains on utilizing McCaffrey's skills to their fullest potential to enhance the team's success while preventing any recurrence of injuries that could impact his availability.

• The San Francisco 49ers didn't make much by way of additions this offseason.

• They will get one key add to their offense, though, simply from good health (knock on wood).

• Christian McCaffrey is back on board and ready to rock for the upcoming season.

• New 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak spoke with reporters on Thursday. Here's what he had to say about CMC: 

• "You guys saw in 2023 how important he is to what we want to be as an offense. He's an elite player, and we're going to do everything we can to give him the ball as much as we can. And yeah, his health is really important. He's one of our central players on offense. We want to hand him the ball, we want to throw him the ball.

• "How he changes defenses when he's on the field, for how they have to play us in certain coverages, putting more guys in the box to stop the run, like it has an effect on the opponents.

• "Christian's doing great. He looks awesome, and we're pumped up that he's out there working every day. So I look forward to getting him back out there full time."

• MORE: Bears QB Caleb Williams shares perfect pope message on Chicago roots

• That's wonderful for 49ers fans to hear. McCaffrey had just 202 rushing yards and no TDs in 2024.

• McCaffrey is entering his ninth NFL season and would much rather play than not.

• "You've got to be cognizant of how much they're out there," Kubiak said. "Christian's a really hard guy to take off the field, for a lot of reasons. One, because he's a great player, but two, because he does not want to come out. Sometimes there's a battle.

• "You've just got to balance those things out. You've got to be aware of it. Sometimes, you've got to pull him off the field every now and then. But that's part of what makes him a great player, is he's so competitive and he wants to be out there. But it's on us as coaches to try to do the best we can to balance it out."

• Maybe CMC will be limited in some games just to preserve him. But clearly we're looking at the point where the 49ers need to use McCaffrey for all he's worth before it gets too late.

• MORE NFL NEWS:

• • Bears' QB history bashed after pope announcement
  • T.J. Watt contract extension just got a lot easier
  • Chiefs cut ties with Patrick Mahomes' brother, who gets chance with another NFL team
  • Mike Evans' retirement insurance plan in place at WR
  • Vikings make J.J. McCarthy starting announcement
  • Falcons insult Julio Jones with crazy jersey number choice