Training Camp Video Of Christian McCaffrey Already Has Fantasy Football Fans Terrified originally appeared on The Spun.
The San Francisco 49ers are certainly hoping Christian McCaffrey is healthy for all 17 games this NFL season. Will he be able to hold off the injury bug though?
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When healthy, McCaffrey is one of the best players in the NFL. During the 2023 regular season, he had 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns for the 49ers. Not only did the 49ers reach the Super Bowl, he was named the league’s Offensive Player of the Year.
Unfortunately for McCaffrey, his 2024 season was derailed by injuries. Before Week 1 arrived, the 49ers announced that McCaffrey was nursing bilateral Achilles tendonitis. Although he returned to action in November, it wasn’t long before he suffered a PCL injury.
The 49ers shut down McCaffrey after just four games. He finished the season with 202 rushing yards and zero touchdowns.
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“Football is the greatest game on the planet to me. I love that you can find out exactly who you are without ever saying a word. It lifts you up and breaks you down and it can happen fast,” McCaffrey said after being placed on season-ending injured reserve. “It’s humbling in the best ways. You can do everything right and still fail. Thats life and that’s football. It’s a constant test of wills and those who just keep going tend to reap the benefits of their perseverance. This wasn’t my year, and sometimes when it rains, it pours. You can feel sorry for yourself and listen to the birds, or you can hold the line. I’m grateful for the support of everyone in my corner and promise I’ll work smarter and harder than ever to come back better from this. I love my teammates, I love the 9ers, and I love football. God doesn’t miss. Onward.”
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 22: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs during an NFL divisional round playoff football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)Michael Owens/Getty Images
On July 23, NFL fans got their first look at McCaffrey since Week 13 of the 2024 season.
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49ers reporter David Lombardi shared a video of McCaffrey running routes on the practice field. The All-Pro tailback looked really sharp, albeit it was just one rep.
“Looks to me like Christian McCaffrey has gained a step,” Lombardi wrote on social media.
This video from McCaffrey has received a ton of attention from NFL fans, especially those who spend their days focusing on fantasy football.
While fans would love to celebrate McCaffrey’s return to the gridiron, some people are more concerned about his fantasy football ranking and whether this training camp video will impact people’s draft strategies.If McCaffrey is still considered a top-15 pick, some people will pass on him just because they’re concerned he’ll miss most of the season yet again. On the other hand, if CMC isn’t considered a first-round pick, fantasy football owners would feel a bit more comfortable taking a chance on him
As of right now, NFL fans aren’t sure what to think about McCaffrey.
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“The internet doubting CMC is such a dangerous thing man,” one fan said.
“The most terrifying decision you’ll make this year,” a second person said. “Good luck.”
“If you draft CMC and all the positive news continues, it may be a huge advantage,” another fan wrote on X.
ESPN currently has McCaffrey as the No. 9 ranked player on their top 300 for PPR leagues. The only running backs ahead of him are Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley and Jahmyr Gibbs.
If McCaffrey stays healthy, he’ll provide tremendous value for his fantasy football owners.
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We’ve been told fortune favors the bold. We’ll see if that applies to those who draft McCaffrey.
Related: Congratulations Pouring In For Christian McCaffrey On Monday
Training Camp Video Of Christian McCaffrey Already Has Fantasy Football Fans Terrified first appeared on The Spun on Jul 23, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 23, 2025, where it first appeared.