49ers Aim to Reduce McCaffrey's Heavy Workload in 2026

Coach Kyle Shanahan wants to ensure 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey doesn't have to carry the offense like he did in 2025.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented, overlapping shapes and planes representing a football game, conveying the concept of managing a star player's heavy workload.The 49ers' reliance on Christian McCaffrey's versatility in 2025 exposed the need to better manage his heavy workload going forward.San Francisco Today

After a season where injuries forced San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to handle a heavy workload, coach Kyle Shanahan wants to ensure McCaffrey's burden in 2026 is less than it was in 2025. Shanahan acknowledged that McCaffrey's production was 'amazing' but said the team needs to find ways to reduce his touches and keep him fresh throughout the season.

Why it matters

McCaffrey's heavy usage in 2025 led to him finishing second in the NFL in scrimmage yards, third in scrimmage touchdowns, and first in touches. While this production helped the 49ers reach the playoffs, Shanahan is concerned about the long-term impact of such a heavy workload on McCaffrey, who will be 30 years old when the 2026 season starts.

The details

The 49ers traded for running back Brian Robinson Jr. to serve as McCaffrey's primary backup in 2025, but Robinson departed in free agency. Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo are the top options on the team's current depth chart as they enter their second and third NFL seasons, respectively. Shanahan said James in particular should get a longer look this season if he can stay healthy after missing much of 2025 with injuries.

  • McCaffrey will be 30 years old when the 2026 season starts.
  • In 2025, McCaffrey finished second in the NFL in scrimmage yards (2,126), third in scrimmage touchdowns (17), and first in touches (413).

The players

Christian McCaffrey

The 49ers' star running back who handled a heavy workload in 2025 due to injuries to other offensive starters.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers who wants to reduce McCaffrey's workload in 2026 to keep him fresh.

Jordan James

A running back on the 49ers' depth chart who Shanahan said needs to 'take that next step' in 2026 after missing much of 2025 with injuries.

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What they’re saying

“I know that I don't want Christian to have to take all of that. It was amazing that he did and was able to do that. The reason it's so hard to get Christian out is because of how much he affects everything in the pass game, even when he's not getting the ball... But in order for us to be the running team we want to be, in order to have Christian be as good as he can be throughout the whole year, we've got to get someone to help him.”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will look to add more depth at running back in the offseason to help reduce McCaffrey's workload in 2026.

The takeaway

The 49ers' reliance on McCaffrey in 2025 highlights the need to manage star players' workloads to avoid burnout and injury. Shanahan's comments suggest the team will prioritize finding ways to lighten McCaffrey's load in 2026, which could extend his career and keep the 49ers' offense firing on all cylinders.