San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is preparing for his 10th NFL season after handling a career-high—and league-leading—413 touches in 2025. He made the most of that workload, totaling 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns en route to NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors after being limited to just four games in 2024.
McCaffrey turned 30 in June, an age when many running backs begin to see a decline in production. However, assistant head coach and offensive line coach Chris Foerster, who is serving as interim head coach while Kyle Shanahan recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident, sees no indication that the veteran back is slowing down.
"Christian looks great," Foerster said. "I think he always looks great, though. So whatever he does, whatever he sees he needs to do to be ready to prepare himself for the season, it's definitely showing up. He's done a great job."
"He looks really, really good this camp. Very decisive this camp, running decisively, running downhill hard, very no-nonsense approach to this season. Wants to come back and have a really, really strong season, and again, continue what he's always done."
The 49ers hope to better manage McCaffrey's workload in 2026 to keep the veteran fresh throughout the season. The team drafted running back Kaelon Black, who is competing with second-year back Jordan James for the primary backup role.
Unfortunately, both young running backs are currently sidelined. Black is dealing with an adductor injury, while James is working his way back from a rib fracture, limiting their opportunities to gain valuable training camp reps.
"Christian's only going to get so many reps," Foerster said. "That's great opportunities for those other guys. Well, now the problem is two of those guys are dinged up again—the two younger guys. And so, it goes to the other players, and they get to develop.
"It hurts that they can't get that other work. But hopefully, they'll be back soon, and there's still plenty of time for them to get work."
With McCaffrey looking healthy and explosive early in training camp, the 49ers' priority will be ensuring he stays that way throughout what they hope is another deep postseason run. That will mean finding key contributors who can ease his workload.
Mentioned in this article: Kaelon Black, Jordan James, Christian McCaffrey
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