Kyle Shanahan says the 49ers overused Christian McCaffrey in 2025, after the All-Pro carried a league-high workload and produced a huge statistical season. With McCaffrey totaling 413 touches, Shanahan says San Francisco will work to reduce his workload so he
Christian McCaffrey’s 2025 workload left no question about how central he was to the San Francisco 49ers. The numbers were staggering: the All-Pro running back logged 413 touches during the season, with his offensive value showing up every week.
But Kyle Shanahan is looking at that same workload—and calling it too much.
“Last year was the worst we had been at it,” Shanahan said via Coach Yak on X. He pointed to how impressive it was that McCaffrey managed to stay available through a grueling stretch. “One of the most amazing years I have seen by a guy in terms of just heart. The fact that he could get his body ready every Sunday for 17 weeks was amazing to me.”.
Shanahan also tied the heavy usage to the problems the offense faced along the way, including injuries and issues at receiver. “And the load he had to carry with all the injuries and issues we had at receiver, he was such a pivotal part in the pass game and obviously the run game.”
For Shanahan, though, durability shouldn’t be mistaken for a blueprint. “For him to be able to make it through there was huge. But that’s not what we want for him,” the head coach said. “I want him to have more juice. To be more fresher. He doesn’t have to take that beating when it’s unnecessary.”
The message going forward is clear: Shanahan wants other parts of the offense to carry more of the burden so McCaffrey isn’t on the field for every single snap. “I’m hoping we can have some other guys step up more this year. So you don’t feel like you need him on the field every play.”
Shanahan made sure the intent landed the right way. “He’s never going to want to hear that. If you insinuate that, he will be extremely insulted by me, but I hope he truly believes it’s for his best because I believe that.”
McCaffrey’s production in 2025 backed up why Shanahan leaned on him so hard. He had 311 carries, finishing with 1,202 total yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. Through the air, he added 924 receiving yards on 102 receptions. In recognition of his comeback, he earned AP Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Still. the 49ers’ coach is already framing the next phase of the relationship as one built around preservation. not just performance. A season defined by one player’s availability can’t become a permanent requirement—especially when the goal is for the best version of him to arrive on time. every week. without needing to take every unnecessary hit.
San Francisco 49ers Kyle Shanahan Christian McCaffrey 2025 NFL season workload carries receiving yards AP Comeback Player of the Year