As the 49ers prep for the 2025 season, Kyle Juszczyk returns after a 'living funeral' and Christian McCaffrey looks 'explosive' post-injury. Read more!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
For three surreal days this offseason, Kyle Juszczyk experienced something few athletes ever do: his own 'living funeral.' The beloved fullback, a cornerstone of the 49ers' identity, was released in a contract dispute, unleashing an outpouring of support that left him shaken. But as news broke Saturday of his emotional journey back to the team, it was coupled with another electrifying development: Christian McCaffrey, after a lost 2024 season, is reportedly looking 'so explosive' and ready to reclaim his throne in the backfield.
It was like a living funeral. It was one of the worst three days of my life.
Nine-time Pro Bowl fullback Kyle Juszczyk didn't mince words when describing his brief period as a free agent. After being released due to a contract stalemate, he was overwhelmed by messages from teammates and fans. 'It was one of the worst three days of my life,' he admitted. The experience, however, gave him a profound sense of perspective. Now back in the fold with a new two-year deal, Juszczyk is entering the 2025 season with a renewed gratitude and a story that has already become part of team lore.
One of the players undoubtedly thrilled by Juice's return is Christian McCaffrey. According to Juszczyk, CMC looks 'so explosive' in offseason work, a sight for sore eyes after injuries to his Achilles and knee derailed his 2024 campaign. McCaffrey, who managed just 348 scrimmage yards in four games last year, declared his knee fully healed and ready for 2025. A healthy McCaffrey completely transforms the 49ers' offense, and his early form is the single biggest reason for optimism heading into camp.
While the news on McCaffrey is a massive boost, the injury report still casts a shadow. The team's top wideout, Brandon Aiyuk (knee - ACL and MCL), and promising safety Malik Mustapha (knee - ACL) are both officially questionable for the Week 1 opener against Seattle. Compounding the issue, linebacker Nick Martin has been ruled out with a lower body injury. The dream of a fully healthy offense featuring both McCaffrey and Aiyuk remains just that—a dream—until Aiyuk can get back on the field.
The Faithful won't have to wait long to see these storylines play out. The NFL officially announced the 49ers' training camp schedule, with open practices for fans set to begin on July 23 in Santa Clara. This will be the first opportunity to see McCaffrey's explosiveness firsthand, get a read on the recovery progress of Aiyuk and Mustapha, and feel the energy of a team eager to turn the page on an injury-plagued season.
The stage is set. With veterans returning with renewed purpose and young stars on the mend, the 49ers' 2025 season hinges on one crucial factor: health. The emotional rollercoaster of the offseason has given way to cautious optimism. All eyes now turn to July 23, when training camp opens and the Faithful will get their first real glimpse of whether this team's immense potential can finally be unleashed.
