Despite the 49ers’ history as a premier running team under coach Kyle Shanahan, the 2025 NFL season has been a different tune for the Red and Gold.
San Francisco ranks at the bottom of the league in many rush categories. The 49ers are 27th in rush yards per game (94.8), last in yards per carry (3.5), and remain the only team without a rush over 20 yards through 10 games this season.
Shanahan was asked to explain their inability to rip off a long run during his press conference Wednesday.
“I can’t give you one reason, but that involves everybody. So, it’s one of the reasons we’re struggling [overall] though,” Shanahan explained. “I mean, if you don’t get big runs, you’re never going to have those yards, you’re never going to have those stats.”
It is the first time since 1986 that the 49ers have no runs for 20 or more yards through 10 games in a season. (h/t Josh Dubow, Associated Press)
#49ers have 0 runs for 20+ yards thru 10 games in a season for the 1st time since 1986. They are 8th team overall to do it since 2000:
2022 Broncos
2021 Falcons
2019 Dolphins
2013 Giants
2012 Lions
2010 Broncos
2006 Cardinals
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) November 11, 2025
“I think we’ve done a better job running the ball here this last month, but we still haven’t found a big one and that’s what we need to get,’ Shanahan said.
Correct, the San Francisco rushing attack has been better in that time frame. The 49ers averaged 113.8 rush yards per game in their last four contests as opposed to 82.2 rush yards per game in their first six of the season.
But, they were held to under 100 rush yards for the seventh time this season in their latest loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
Reflecting the down year statistically, star running back Christian McCaffrey has not put up his usual numbers despite his effectiveness in the pass game. McCaffrey is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry through 10 games, his lowest average to start the season since his 2017 rookie season with the Carolina Panthers. That year, he averaged just 3.0 yards per carry through 10 games.
Shanahan was asked if McCaffrey was less explosive this season, and if that played any part in the 49ers’ struggles running the ball.
“No, I don’t see it that way,” Shanahan rebuffed.
On a positive note, backup running back Brian Robinson Jr.’s production has seen an uptick in recent weeks. Robinson has notched rushing touchdowns in two consecutive games and is averaging a career-high 4.9 yards per carry this season.
Shanahan said his improvement has earned Robinson more carries.
“I think four weeks in a row he has had his best game,” Shanahan noted. “So, each week it keeps getting better.”
McCaffrey and Robinson will get their next test Sunday in the 49ers’ Week 11 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, who allow 114.1 rush yards per game (18th in NFL). In San Francisco’s Week 3 win over the Cardinals, the 49ers rushed for a meager 73 yards, their third-lowest rushing total this season.
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