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McCaffrey Ready for Any Workload in 2026
29 May
Summary
- Christian McCaffrey will train for 35 touches per game.
- Coach Shanahan plans to scale back McCaffrey's carries.
- Jordan James is top candidate to spell McCaffrey in 2026.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is prepared for any workload despite coach Kyle Shanahan's stated plans to reduce his carries in 2026. McCaffrey, who led the league with a career-high 413 touches in 2026 and again in 2024, acknowledged hearing about the potential change but stated he never focuses on specific touch counts. He aims to train for a full 35-carry game, regardless of the team's load management intentions.
McCaffrey, who earned NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2026 after tallying 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns, recognizes the brutal nature of football. He understands Shanahan's consideration, particularly after McCaffrey missed significant time in 2026 due to lower body injuries. The team is reportedly looking at second-year player Jordan James and 2026 third-round pick Kaelon Black to help spell McCaffrey.