Overview
- Kyle Shanahan publicly called the 2025 management of Christian McCaffrey “the worst” and said on the Tom Tolbert Show Tuesday that he plans to cut McCaffrey’s snaps so the running back has more energy late in the season.
- McCaffrey led the NFL with 413 touches in 2025, produced 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 total touchdowns, played roughly 83% of offensive snaps and became the first running back to record 100+ receptions in three seasons.
- Shanahan said injuries to key receivers forced McCaffrey into an expanded hybrid role in the pass and run games, which drove his unusually high touch count.
- The 49ers have added veteran receivers and young backs — including Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, De’Zhaun Stribling, third-round pick Kaelon Black, Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo — and plan to use those players to share snaps with McCaffrey.
- Opponents exposed San Francisco’s dependency in a 6-41 Divisional Round loss to Seattle, so keeping McCaffrey healthy for January is a stated priority that will shape snap rotation and play-calling this season.