49ers Coach Aims to Reduce McCaffrey's Workload

Shanahan wants to limit star running back's heavy usage after injury-plagued 2025 season.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 6:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, with sharp, overlapping planes of red and gold representing the 49ers' uniform colors.The 49ers' coach aims to reduce the heavy workload placed on star running back Christian McCaffrey last season.San Francisco Today

After a season where injuries forced San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey to carry a heavy offensive load, head coach Kyle Shanahan says he wants to reduce McCaffrey's workload in 2026 to prevent further wear and tear on the star player.

Why it matters

McCaffrey's health and productivity are critical to the 49ers' success, so managing his usage is a top priority for the coaching staff. The team aims to keep their star player fresh and available throughout the season.

The details

In the 2025 season, McCaffrey was forced to take on an outsized role in the 49ers' offense due to injuries to other key players. Shanahan acknowledged that he doesn't want McCaffrey to have to shoulder that same level of responsibility again in 2026.

  • The 49ers' 2026 season kicks off in September.

The players

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers.

Christian McCaffrey

The star running back for the San Francisco 49ers.

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What they’re saying

“I know that I don't want Christian to have to take all of that”

— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers

What’s next

The 49ers will monitor McCaffrey's workload closely during training camp and the preseason to determine the optimal plan for his usage in the 2026 regular season.

The takeaway

The 49ers are focused on preserving their star running back Christian McCaffrey by reducing his heavy workload from the previous season, recognizing the importance of keeping him healthy and productive for the team's long-term success.