49ers’ RB depth could change Christian McCaffrey’s role

Could the 49ers limit Christian McCaffrey’s workload in 2026?

The San Francisco 49ers have several reasons to feel good about their roster heading into the 2026 season, but there is one position that Sacramento Bee senior reporter Chris Biderman believes deserves some concern.

Biderman joined Sactown Sports’ The Drive Guys to discuss the 49ers following their third preseason game, where San Francisco gave extended playing time to several players fighting for important roles.

Among the biggest concerns was the defensive tackle position.

Alfred Collins and C.J. West, two young defensive tackles expected to play significant roles this season, remained on the field well into the third quarter.

Neither player had a particularly strong performance, which Biderman said was noteworthy, given how important the position could be for the 49ers.

“I would be slightly alarmed because this is a guy that they drafted in the second round last year, thinking that he would be a really important piece of their defense going forward,” Biderman said of Collins.

Alfred Collins #95 of the San Francisco 49ers pursues the play against the Denver Broncos during an NFL Preseason 2025 game at Levi’s Stadium on August 09, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

The concerns surrounding Collins aren’t limited to one preseason game. Biderman has attended roughly 10 practices at the 49ers’ facility this summer and said what he saw against the Raiders was consistent with what he’s witnessed throughout training camp.

“Alfred Collins is not looking like a particularly productive player right now,” Biderman said.

That’s particularly important because San Francisco needs to improve its ability to stop the run. If the 49ers can’t consistently hold up in the middle of their defensive line, Biderman believes it could have a ripple effect throughout the defense.

“If they’re weak at defensive tackle and can’t stop the run, then that’s going to make things a lot harder on their defense,” he said.

There is considerably more optimism surrounding one of the team’s young offensive players.

Rookie wide receiver Dejon Stribling has continued to impress Biderman, who said the receiver’s strong preseason numbers aren’t simply a product of exhibition football. Stribling has been consistently getting open and making difficult catches during practices as well.

“Dejon Stribling is just constantly getting open, making tough catches. He’s not dropping passes,” Biderman said.

Perhaps even more encouraging is the trust Stribling has already earned from Brock Purdy and his teammates.

Biderman believes that trust is significant for a rookie learning Kyle Shanahan’s offense and could lead to Stribling becoming an important part of San Francisco’s passing game.

“I think Stribling is just going to be a really important player, and if he can stay healthy, he should get a fair share of targets,” Biderman said.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 24: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter of the game against the Carolina Panthers at Levi’s Stadium on November 24, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)

The 49ers also appear to have impressive depth at running back. Biderman believes it could be the best group San Francisco has had under Shanahan, particularly behind Christian McCaffrey.

“They certainly seem like they have the best two guys behind Christian McCaffrey since Christian McCaffrey’s been there,” Biderman said.

That depth could finally allow the 49ers to reduce McCaffrey’s workload, although Biderman isn’t convinced Shanahan will always be willing to take his star running back off the field.

With the regular season approaching, the development of the defensive tackles, emergence of Stribling, and ability to preserve Christian McCaffrey could all become major storylines for San Francisco.

Check out the full conversation at the top of this page or by visiting the Sactown Sports YouTube page.

Listen to The Drive Guys from 2 – 6 p.m. PST, Monday through Friday, on Sactown Sports 1140.

Click here for full episodes of The Drive Guys.

More 49ers content from Sactown Sports

• The 49ers’ O-Line could determine Christian McCaffrey’s ceiling
• Brooks: De’Zhaun Stribling is “the absolute real deal”
• Christian McCaffrey could see a lighter workload in 2026
• Why George Kittle’s Week 1 decision looms large for the 49ers
• 49ers acquire veteran LB Deion Jones from Saints

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers 2026 Schedule

• 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

Thank you for reading SactownSports.com. Follow us on Twitter and Google News, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Related

Stockton Kings release 2026-27 Season ScheduleWarren: Cousins may be Raiders’ QB1, but Mendoza is progressingFaithful Flashbacks #9: The Alley-Oop CatchWhat should Sacramento Kings fans expect from De’Andre Hunter?The 49ers’ O-Line could determine Christian McCaffrey’s ceilingEntering 2026, health remains the 49ers’ greatest concern