Christian McCaffrey could see a lighter workload in 2026

Christian McCaffrey appears healthy heading into the 2026 season, but the San Francisco 49ers are making it clear they aren’t going to take any unnecessary chances with their star running back.

McCaffrey has participated in training camp, but the 49ers have been extremely cautious with how they’ve deployed him. He practiced for several days before sitting out joint practices as part of what the team described as a ramp-up plan.

Sacramento Bee reporter Chris Biderman believes San Francisco’s cautious approach is directly connected to what happened to McCaffrey in 2024.

“I think there’s a chance they’re downplaying it,” Biderman said on Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show. “I also think they’re just going to handle Christian McCaffrey with extreme precaution.”

McCaffrey dealt with bilateral Achilles tendinitis in 2024 and ultimately played just four games that season. His history of heavy usage is also a concern for San Francisco.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

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The 30-year-old has repeatedly been among the NFL’s most heavily utilized offensive players, and the 49ers now appear determined to avoid putting him in a position where another massive workload jeopardizes his availability.

Biderman pointed to McCaffrey’s own admission that he can sometimes be his “own worst enemy” because of his desire to practice and push himself. That mentality may have contributed to him pushing too hard before the 2024 season.

The good news is that Biderman saw McCaffrey participate in team drills on Sunday and that he looked like himself.

“He looked like Christian McCaffrey. He looked pretty unencumbered,” Biderman said.

That doesn’t mean the 49ers are going to unleash him once the regular season begins. In fact, finding ways to reduce McCaffrey’s workload could be one of the team’s biggest priorities.

The emergence of rookie running back Kaelon Black could help.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 01: Kaelon Black #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers in action against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2026 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Biderman was particularly impressed with Black’s explosiveness and decisiveness, calling him potentially “the most decisive runner, an explosive runner maybe that I’ve seen since Kyle Shanahan has been here.”

Black gives San Francisco a different type of option behind McCaffrey, with the rookie capable of hitting holes quickly and creating explosive plays. Jordan James has also impressed, giving the 49ers more depth at the position.

That depth could be critical. Biderman noted that McCaffrey’s previous seasons with enormous workloads have often been followed by significant availability issues, making workload management particularly important entering 2026.

“Getting somebody like that to back up Christian McCaffrey could be big,” Biderman said.

The 49ers don’t need Christian McCaffrey to prove he can handle another enormous workload. They need to keep him healthy. With better depth behind him, San Francisco may finally have the pieces necessary to make that happen.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

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• 49ers acquire veteran LB Deion Jones from Saints
• 49ers sign TE Khalil Dinkins to 3-year deal
• Raheem Morris praises 49ers’ defensive bounce-back vs. Chargers
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Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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