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A cubist interpretation of Christian McCaffrey’s dynamic running style as the 49ers seek to manage his workload in 2026.Indianapolis Today
The San Francisco 49ers have once again pledged to reduce Christian McCaffrey’s heavy workload, which reached a career-high 311 carries in 2025. Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the need to find ways to keep the 30-year-old running back fresh throughout the season, but admitted it was difficult to take McCaffrey off the field last year due to injuries to the team’s wide receivers and tight ends. With backup Brian Robinson Jr. now gone, the 49ers are looking to second-year running back Jordan James to potentially take on a larger role and ease the burden on McCaffrey.
Why it matters
McCaffrey’s heavy usage in 2025 raised concerns about his long-term durability, as he led the NFL in total touches. The 49ers’ inability to effectively lighten his workload in the past has been a point of frustration for the team and its fans. Finding the right balance between utilizing McCaffrey’s elite skills and preserving his health will be crucial for the 49ers’ offense and playoff aspirations in 2026.
The details
Despite the 49ers’ stated desire to reduce McCaffrey’s workload, they struggled to do so in 2025. McCaffrey logged a career-high 311 carries and led the league with 413 total touches, including 37 more in the playoffs. Shanahan said it was particularly tough to take McCaffrey off the field because the team’s passing attack relied so heavily on him as a receiver, with injuries depleting the wide receiver and tight end groups. McCaffrey’s backup, Brian Robinson Jr., was not as talented in the passing game, making it difficult for the 49ers to substitute him in certain situations.
McCaffrey will turn 30 years old in June 2026.In 2025, McCaffrey logged a career-high 311 carries and 413 total touches, including 37 more in the playoffs.The 49ers traded for Brian Robinson Jr. in August 2025, hoping he would help reduce McCaffrey’s workload, but Robinson had a career-low 92 carries.
The players
Christian McCaffrey
The 49ers’ star running back who is coming off a season with a career-high 311 carries and 413 total touches.
Kyle Shanahan
The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, who has acknowledged the need to lighten McCaffrey’s workload.
Bobby Turner
The 49ers’ longtime running backs coach who has worked with Shanahan to manage McCaffrey’s usage.
Brian Robinson Jr.
The running back the 49ers traded for in 2025 to help reduce McCaffrey’s workload, but he ended up with a career-low 92 carries.
Jordan James
The second-year running back who appears to be the frontrunner to be McCaffrey’s top backup in 2026.
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What they’re saying
“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
“When we play against certain coverages, and there’s a linebacker on Christian, that’s going to be a problem (for the defense). And if he pulls coverage that’s going to help everyone else.”
— Kyle Shanahan, Head Coach, San Francisco 49ers
What’s next
The 49ers will monitor McCaffrey’s workload closely during OTAs and training camp to determine the best way to distribute carries between him and his backup running backs, with Jordan James expected to take on a larger role.
The takeaway
The 49ers’ inability to effectively manage McCaffrey’s heavy workload in the past has been a persistent issue, and their success in 2026 may hinge on their ability to find the right balance between utilizing his elite skills and preserving his health for the long haul.