Something that haunted the San Francisco 49ers in 2024 was injuries, and it looks like that problem is still plaguing them in 2025. On Monday, the team announced that star quarterback Brock Purdy's status for Week 2 remains uncertain due to injuries. But the most concerning news came on Tuesday with the announcement that tight end George Kittle will miss at least the next four games with a hamstring injury.
If the 49ers lose another key player to injury, their early-season hopes for a competitive year could quickly fade. That's why former NFL QB Dan Orlovsky is raising concerns, especially about star running back Christian McCaffrey.
With Kittle out, Orlovsky is concerned about McCaffrey's workload. On ESPN's "NFL Live," he said,
"I get concerned with McCaffrey's touches," Orlovsky said. "I mean, 31 touches in Week 1 in September. And so, because the initial thought is, well, Kittle's hurt. McCaffrey was the guy last week."
Orlovsky pointed to McCaffrey's heavy usage in the season opener and noted the strain it could put on him given the circumstances. "Look at the touches since 2019 per game, like 31 touches. Are we going into October with 120, 130 touches from McCaffrey? And so, there's a lot to weather in San Francisco right now."
Below are the stats Orlovsky shared while discussing concerns about McCaffrey's workload:
2025: 1 game, 31 touches pg
2024: 4 games, 16.3 touches pg
2023: 16 games, 21.2 touches pg
2022: 17 games, 19.4 touches pg
2021: 7 games, 19.4 touches pg
2020: 3 games, 25.3 touches pg
2019: 16 games, 25.2 touches pg
McCaffrey has battled injuries recently, heightening Orlovsky's concern. After a promising offseason, McCaffrey was listed as questionable for the season opener due to a calf issue but was ultimately cleared to play. Last season, he appeared in just four games, limited by bilateral Achilles tendinitis and later, a torn knee ligament.
On Sunday, the 49ers breathed a sigh of relief after McCaffrey showed no indication of discomfort in the 17-13 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. He carried the ball 22 times for 69 yards and added nine receptions for 73 yards through the air.