San Francisco 49ers wrap June 5 OTAs, eyeing a 2025 rebound. McCaffrey active, Pearsall injured, Williams absent. Get the latest on their minicamp prep!
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
And just like that, another phase of the offseason is in the books! The San Francisco 49ers officially wrapped up their final OTA workout on Thursday, June 5th, signaling the end of Phase 3. While it's still shorts and shells, the intensity is building as mandatory minicamp looms large on the horizon, the next crucial step in their quest for a major 2025 rebound.
Analysts highlight the 49ers as the top NFL team likely to rebound from a last-place finish in 2024, armed with the NFL's easiest schedule.
The Niners put a bow on their 2025 Organized Team Activities today, with key veterans on the field. Christian McCaffrey was notably active, though reports suggest he's still working his way back to that elite top speed we all know and love. On the concerning side, rookie receiver Ricky Pearsall remained sidelined with that nagging hamstring injury – durability is definitely becoming an early question mark for the promising pass-catcher. And as we've seen in recent sessions, stalwart left tackle Trent Williams was absent, a situation worth monitoring as we approach mandatory sessions.
Speaking of monitoring, the injury list heading towards minicamp and eventually training camp isn't insignificant. While no new injuries popped up today, the team is keeping a close eye on several key contributors. Trent Williams (ankle), Colton McKivitz (undisclosed), Deommodore Lenoir (shoulder), Robert Beal Jr. (ankle), George Odum (knee), Isaac Guerendo (knee - MCL), and Darrell Luter Jr. (pelvis) are all working their way back. Add rookies Malik Mustapha (knee - ACL) and veteran Kevin Givens (pectoral) to that list, and it's clear the training staff will be busy. Getting these guys healthy will be paramount for a strong start.
Despite the injury concerns, there's a palpable buzz that the 49ers are primed for a significant bounce-back after last year's uncharacteristic last-place finish in the NFC West. Analysts are already tabbing them as a top candidate to rebound, and it's easy to see why. Management locked up core pieces like Brock Purdy (now one of the league's highest-paid QBs, creating some cap gymnastics), George Kittle, and Fred Warner. They then strategically added talent through the draft with edge rusher Mykel Williams and the aforementioned Pearsall. And let's not forget the shrewd trade earlier this week for defensive lineman Bryce Huff from the Eagles, a move designed to immediately inject life into the pass rush. This roster overhaul, combined with what's projected to be the NFL's easiest schedule, has the Faithful dreaming of dethroning the Rams.
One bit of travel news that might bring a sigh of relief to players (and perhaps some fans who prefer home games) is the confirmation that the 49ers will not be playing an international game in 2025. The NFL released its international slate, and while the Niners have road trips to Cleveland and Indianapolis, those teams will be hosting other opponents abroad. The last time the Red and Gold played outside the U.S. was back in 2022 in Mexico City, so they'll enjoy a full domestic schedule this season.
With OTAs now complete, all eyes turn to the upcoming mandatory minicamp. It's the last major team activity before the summer break and the subsequent grind of training camp. The pieces are being assembled, the strategy refined, and the hunger to return to the top of the NFC West is undeniable. Stay tuned, Faithful, the journey to the 2025 season is just getting started!
