McCaffrey has received two scheduled rest days so far, including Sunday's practice, the final session before the team puts on pads Monday. It's all part of the 49ers' strategy to manage the veteran running back's workload and keep him fresh for the regular season.
"It's real similar to the workload we did two years ago," head coach Kyle Shanahan explained after Sunday's practice. "His lightest workload was last year, when he didn't do training camp. But no, this has been part of the plan.
"Christian gets frustrated with it. He wants to be out there. He wants to do everything. But Christian also is very smart and knows what the deal is, and knows that we do need to protect him from himself."
Shanahan emphasized that McCaffrey is fully on board with the approach and feeling good so far.
"When he feels good, he doesn't like days off, but he understands why he's got to," Shanahan added.
McCaffrey echoed that sentiment, praising the 49ers' training staff and their approach to keeping him healthy.
"They've written up a really good plan," McCaffrey said. "Just [got to] trust it, and do everything I can every day to get better."
How fatherhood has changed McCaffrey
McCaffrey's offseason has been eventful off the field as well. He and his wife, Olivia Culpo, recently welcomed their first child, Colette Annalise McCaffrey.
"It's been such a blessing," McCaffrey said. "I've been on cloud nine ever since she was born. It's definitely been special for me—life-changing, that's for sure. I'm grateful for my wife. She does a great job letting me still keep football going and working my butt off. So, it's been great and such a blessing."
Fatherhood has given McCaffrey a new perspective as he prepares for his ninth NFL season.
"I wouldn't say I'm working harder," McCaffrey said. "I wasn't like not working before, but it definitely just puts things into perspective that you just want to show up and be the best person you can be because you have somebody to be an example for."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Christian McCaffrey reacts to 49ers wanting to reduce his workload
San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey logged 932 offensive snaps last season, accounting for 83 percent of the team's offensive plays—his highest snap count since 2019. His 413 touches led the NFL. McCaffrey made the most of those opportunities, totaling 2,126... -
49ers hope to adjust Christian McCaffrey plan in 2026
After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Christian McCaffrey responded with a remarkable bounce-back 2026 campaign for the San Francisco 49ers, totaling 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on a league-high 413 touches en route to NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors. It was... -
49ers plan joint practices with Titans, Chargers; international travel plans revealed
The San Francisco 49ers typically schedule at least one set of joint practices during the preseason. This year, the team hopes to hold two. Head coach Kyle Shanahan revealed on Thursday that the 49ers are planning joint practices with both the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles... -
49ers cancel mandatory minicamp after perfect attendance during OTAs
The San Francisco 49ers have canceled next week's mandatory minicamp, rewarding players for achieving 100 percent attendance during this week's organized team activities (OTAs). The decision comes as the 49ers near the conclusion of their offseason program. OTAs are scheduled...