To receive more rest in 2026
San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Monday that "in order to have [McCaffrey] be as good as he can be throughout the whole year, we've got to get someone to help him," Matt Barrows of The Athletic reports.
McCaffrey earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2025, in which he suited up for all 17 regular-season games while racking up 2,126 yards from scrimmage and 17 total touchdowns on a career-high 413 touches. Shanahan acknowledged that McCaffrey, who will turn 30 in June and was limited to just four appearances in 2024 due to Achilles and knee issues, may have had his efficiency hampered by his workhorse role in 2025, as he averaged just 3.9 YPC. Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo are current candidates to compete for an increased No. 2 role behind McCaffrey following the departure of Brian Robinson for Atlanta, but the 49ers also could make further additions to the backfield in April's draft.
More San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Football News
De'Zhaun Stribling
Pick motivated by intangibles?
The 49ers' selection of Stribling at No. 33 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft was partially motivated by the organization's strong belief in his personality, leadership and work ethic, according to Matt Barrow of The Athletic.
Kaelon Black
In RB2 mix behind CMC
Black is set to compete with recent draft picks Jordan James and Isaac Guerendo for backup touches behind Christian McCaffrey, Grant Gordon of NFL.com reports.
George Kittle
Aiming to play Week 1
Coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday that Kittle (Achilles) is aiming to be ready for the 49ers' Week 1 game against the Rams, David Lombardi of SFStandard.com reports.
Kaelon Black
Picked by 49ers
The 49ers selected Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 90th overall.
Romello Height
Drafted by San Francisco
The 49ers selected Height in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 70th overall.
De'Zhaun Stribling
Picked by 49ers
The 49ers selected Stribling in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 33rd overall.
George Kittle
GM hopes for Week 1 return
49ers general manager John Lynch told reporters Sunday that he is "hopeful" that Kittle (Achilles) will be available for Week 1 of the 2026 season, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Christian Kirk
Joining forces with Niners
Kirk is slated to sign a one-year, $6 million contract with San Francisco, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
Brandon Aiyuk
Still likely to be released
The 49ers are still expected to move on from Aiyuk (knee) but won't necessarily release him Wednesday, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.
Jake Tonges
Signs extension
Tonges (foot) is signing a two-year, $8 million contract to stay with the 49ers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.