49ers Face Depth Challenges After Injury-Plagued 2024 Season

The San Francisco 49ers are facing significant challenges as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2024 season where injuries to key players, especially Christian McCaffrey and Trent Williams, severely impacted their performance. Both players, despite being among the best at their positions, have struggled with durability, with McCaffrey missing at least 10 games in three of the past five seasons and Williams entering his age-37 season without having played a full season since 2013. The 49ers' receiver group is young and lacks a clear No. 1 option until Brandon Aiyuk returns, while Demarcus Robinson faces a suspension early in the season, placing pressure on less experienced players. Despite these concerns, the team retains strong top-end talent with long-term deals for Brock Purdy, George Kittle, and Fred Warner, and there is optimism they can improve, especially if McCaffrey and Williams stay healthy. Analysts warn that without health and depth improvements, particularly at running back and left tackle, the 49ers risk another sub-.500 season and missing the playoffs again. The team's prospects to go from worst to first in the NFC West hinge largely on overcoming these injury risks and the development of their younger players.