The San Francisco 49ers were supposed to find redemption in 2025. Instead, they’re staring at the same nightmare that destroyed their 2024 season. After stumbling to a 6-11 finish, their first losing campaign since 2020 and worst record in over half a decade, the 49ers entered this offseason desperate for a clean slate. What they got was more of the same injury chaos that derailed everything a year ago.
How Are the 2024 Injuries Still Haunting San Francisco?
Simply put, the 49ers were one of the most banged-up teams in the league during the 2024 campaign. They led the NFL in games lost to injury, with key starters missing extended time on both sides of the ball. Nothing seemed to go their way, whether it was offense, defense, or special teams. That misfortune is threatening to carry over into 2025.
The 49ers have placed six players on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list, including WR Brandon Aiyuk.
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— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) July 18, 2025
As training camp opens, the injury list still looks far too familiar. Brandon Aiyuk, who was supposed to be the top option at wide receiver after Deebo Samuel was traded to the Commanders, is still working his way back from an ACL tear he suffered in October. His status for Week 1 remains very much up in the air.
The situation becomes more troubling when you consider Ricky Pearsall’s status. The 49ers hoped Pearsall would take on a larger role in the early going, but he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury since minicamp. He’s beginning camp on the PUP list, leaving the receiving room looking thin and untested with both Aiyuk and Pearsall sidelined.
The injuries don’t stop with the skill positions. Offensive lineman Andre Dillard (ankle), defensive lineman Yetur Gross-Matos (knee), safety Malik Mustapha (knee), and linebacker Curtis Robinson (knee) are all on the shelf to start camp. Offensive lineman Ben Bartch was added to the non-football injury list as well. It’s hardly the fresh start fans were hoping for after such a disappointing 2024 season.
What Reasons Do the 49ers Have for Optimism?
However, it’s not all doom and gloom in Santa Clara. There are still some bright spots to focus on as the team prepares for the upcoming season.
Christian McCaffrey is expected to be fully healthy after battling injuries during the 2024 campaign, and that’s a massive boost for the offense. Even more encouraging is that Brock Purdy feels good. He’s participated fully in offseason workouts and looked sharp coming into camp. After getting a big payday this offseason, all eyes will be on him to lead the bounce-back effort.
If the 49ers can stay healthy, they still have plenty of talent on their roster. But they know nothing is guaranteed because of everything that happened to them in 2024. For now, the focus is on getting through camp, getting players back on the field, and trying to move past a season they would all prefer to forget.
