49ers Aim to Reduce McCaffrey's Workload in 2026

Shanahan signals shift in backfield, with Guerendo and James competing for bigger roles

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:21pm by Ben Kaplan

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a 49ers running play, with the running back carrying the ball surrounded by abstract shapes representing the offensive line and defensive players, capturing the energy and movement of the game in a cubist style.A cubist interpretation of a 49ers running play highlights the team's focus on managing Christian McCaffrey's workload and developing their backup running backs.San Francisco Today

The San Francisco 49ers are looking to reduce the workload of star running back Christian McCaffrey in the 2026 season, with head coach Kyle Shanahan indicating a desire to involve backup running backs Isaac Guerendo and Jordan James more to ease the 'wear and tear' on the 30-year-old McCaffrey.

Why it matters

McCaffrey was instrumental in the 49ers' success in 2025, playing in all 19 games and totaling over 2,100 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns. However, his extensive injury history has the team concerned about managing his workload moving forward to keep him healthy and productive.

The details

Shanahan said the team needs to involve Guerendo and James more in the offense, with Guerendo showing promise as both a runner and receiver in his rookie season, while James was hampered by injuries in his first year. The 49ers are also investing $9 million to upgrade their facilities and hire more personal trainers to aid in player recovery and rehabilitation.

  • In the 2025 season, McCaffrey played in all 19 games for the 49ers.
  • Heading into the 2026 season, McCaffrey will be 30 years old and entering his 11th NFL season.
  • The 49ers' offseason moves, including facility upgrades and personnel additions, are aimed at reducing McCaffrey's workload for the 2026 campaign.

The players

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back who played in all 19 games in 2025, totaling over 2,100 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has indicated a desire to reduce McCaffrey's workload in 2026.

Isaac Guerendo

A 49ers running back who showed promise as both a runner and receiver in his rookie season, and is expected to have a larger role in 2026.

Jordan James

A 49ers running back who was hampered by injuries in his rookie season, but is also expected to compete for a bigger role in 2026.

John Lynch

The general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, who revealed the team is investing $9 million to upgrade their facilities and hire more personal trainers to aid in player recovery and rehabilitation.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, Christian had an unbelievable year last year, but he definitely needs help.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

“Isaac has shown us that he can be very good in the passing game. You guys saw his rookie year, he could be a good runner. Were not a big three-man rotation team, so you really had to be that one or two guy.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will closely monitor McCaffrey's workload and recovery during the offseason, while Guerendo and James will look to prove they can handle a larger share of the backfield duties in 2026.

The takeaway

The 49ers' focus on managing McCaffrey's workload and developing their backup running backs highlights the team's commitment to keeping their star player healthy and productive for the long term, as they aim to build on their success from the 2025 season.