Kyle Shanahan Has 1 Big Fear When it Comes to RB Christian McCaffrey

Few would argue that Christian McCaffrey is a top-10 running back in the NFL, but he just might be a top-10 receiver as well.

McCaffrey was second to only Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (2,298 yards) in total yards from scrimmage (2,126) last season, and he led all running backs in receptions (102), receiving yards (924), and receiving touchdowns (seven).

In fact, among all pass-catchers, McCaffrey ranked sixth in receptions, 23rd in yards, and 15th in touchdowns. But that big of a workload is something that 49ers fans have to be worried about heading into next season, especially given McCaffrey's injury history.

According to head coach Kyle Shanahan, he doesn't want McCaffrey to have anywhere close to the 413 touches he had last season (311 rushing, 102 receiving). His one big fear is that the team relies too much on McCaffrey to do it all, and making sure he doesn’t run his star RB into the ground in 2026 is among Shanahan’s top priorities.

"Last year was the worst we had been at it," Shanahan said on the "Tom Tolbert Show." "One of the most amazing years I have seen by a guy in terms of just heart. The fact that he could get his body ready every Sunday for 17 weeks was amazing to me. And the load he had to carry with all the injuries and issues we had at receiver, he was such a pivotal part in the pass game and obviously the run game. For him to be able to make it through there was huge.

"But that's not what we want for him. I want him to have more juice. To be more fresher. He doesn't have to take that beating when it's unnecessary. I'm hoping we can have some other guys step up more this year. So you don't feel like you need him on the field every play. He's never going to want to hear that. If you insinuate that, he will be extremely insulted by me, but I hope he truly believes it's for his best because I believe that."

Many expect second-year back Jordan James to take some of those carries away from McCaffrey to cut down on the beating his body has taken over the years.

Last season, McCaffrey accounted for 65% of the team's total rush attempts, and James plus third-round rookie Kaelan Black will likely bring that number down closer to 50%.

McCaffrey was also the workhorse of the receiving corps as well last year. But with the additions of Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and second-round rookie De'Zhuan Stribling, plus a healthy Ricky Pearsall, the 49ers shouldn't need a 100-catch season out of McCaffrey.

If San Francisco enters the postseason with McCaffrey's touches around 350 or less, it'll be a big win for Shanahan and his coaching staff.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 7:12 PM.