It would have been reasonable last season for the 49ers to reduce running back Christian McCaffrey’s workload.
After all, McCaffrey experienced Achilles and knee issues that limited him to just four games in 2024. That came after he had a combination of 339 rushing attempts and receptions en route to being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year one year earlier.
But instead of dialing back McCaffrey’s playing time last year, the 49ers leaned on him even more.
McCaffrey had the most touches of his NFL career in 2025. He carried 311 times for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns, while catching 102 passes for 924 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Christian had an unbelievable year last year, but he definitely needs help,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said recently at the NFL Annual Meeting.
The 49ers acquired veteran running back Brian Robinson in a trade from Washington before the start of the season. He did not play much, and he no longer is around.
The top candidates to give McCaffrey regular periods of rest are Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo. James supplanted Guerendo for the third spot on the depth chart last season. But neither touched the ball during the regular season.
“In order for us to be the running team we want to be, and in order to have Christian be as good as he needs to be throughout the year, we got to get him some help,” Shanahan said.
Who’s here
Christian McCaffrey, FB Kyle Juszczyk, Jordan James, Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor.
Who’s gone
Brian Robinson (Atlanta).
Who’s unsigned
None.
What’s happened
The biggest movement thus far this offseason was Robinson leaving to join the Atlanta Falcons as Bijan Robinson’s backup. The 49ers also brought back Patrick Taylor on a one-year contract.
Taylor appeared in 13 games in 2024. He gained 183 yards and a touchdown on 39 carries before experiencing a season-ending shoulder injury in the 2025 preseason.
Draft outlook
With so many other more-pressing needs, the 49ers do not figure to place running back as a top priority in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The 49ers kept five running backs on their initial 53-man roster a year ago, so they figure to add to the competition with a rookie or two.
If San Francisco opts to invest one of their fourth-round picks in a running back, they could look for a player with a unique skill set. One option would be Eli Heidenreich (Navy).
Heidenreich is a versatile offensive performer who can line up in a lot of different spots. He rushed for 499 yards (6.5 average) and caught 51 passes for 941 yards and six touchdowns.
If the 49ers turned to the pool of undrafted players, they could give a look to former Cal standout Jaydn Ott, whose stock tumbled as a non-factor after finishing up at Oklahoma.
Chip Trayanum (Toledo) and Robert Henry Jr. (Texas-San Antonio) are options to enter the picture to compete for roles. Each is a good fit for the 49ers’ outside zone scheme while adding a pass-catching element out of the backfield.
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