San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan has stated clearly that the team must find ways to reduce Christian McCaffrey's extensive workload moving forward. Shanahan acknowledged that McCaffrey carried an exhaustive load throughout the previous season, which the team cannot expect him to repeat.

The Necessity of Relief for McCaffrey

McCaffrey's on-field presence proved vital for the 49ers' deep playoff run, particularly in the passing game due to receiver attrition. Shanahan noted that McCaffrey's impact extends beyond rushing; "He’s like a receiver out there," because of how much he affects the passing scheme even without touching the ball.

"I don’t want Christian to have to take all that. It’s amazing he did," Shanahan commented. The coach emphasized that securing additional help is crucial for the team's overall running game success and for maximizing McCaffrey’s effectiveness throughout an entire year.

Previous Attempts and Current Roster Status

The team previously attempted to address this need by trading for Brian Robinson Jr. last summer. However, Robinson never saw significant action, averaging no more than nine carries per game, and subsequently departed in free agency for Atlanta.

Injuries hampered other potential contributors. Isaac Guerendo, who suffered a shoulder injury during training camp, never had a chance to showcase the speed he displayed as a rookie. Shanahan had envisioned Guerendo stepping in when McCaffrey needed a break, perhaps due to injury.

Rookie Jordan James also remained on the bench for much of the season. Shanahan expressed regret over James's limited usage, stating, "Jordan James came on really strong at the end of last year but he missed so much of the beginning, he missed his window to pass other people up." He hopes James can take a significant step forward following a healthy offseason.

Draft Strategy and Backfield History

The 49ers are positioned to address these roster needs in the upcoming draft. The team currently holds six draft selections, including picks in the first and second rounds, followed by four picks in the fourth round.

Since General Manager John Lynch and Shanahan took over in 2017, the team has drafted several running backs. These selections include Joe Williams, Trey Sermon, Ty Davis-Price, Guerendo, and James.