49ers' Christian McCaffrey says workload is a practice issue, not game day

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey said on Thursday, May 30, that workload management should be handled during the practice week rather than on game days. Speaking after an organized team activity, the All-Pro addressed questions after logging an NFL-high 413 touches last season. Coach Kyle Shanahan has discussed building in more rest windows for his star back. McCaffrey framed the topic as a rhythm and preparation matter for top players.

McCaffrey reiterated that he prepares to play every snap when the games count and believes training volume, recovery and practice schedules are where teams should scale back. Team officials plan to be cautious with his offseason and training camp usage to preserve late-season burst. The club views that balance as a way to sustain his impact while sharpening the run game. He did not participate in Thursday’s session but took part on Wednesday as part of a measured offseason plan.

Despite the workload, McCaffrey delivered 2,126 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns last season. His yards per carry dipped to 3.9, his lowest mark since joining San Francisco, and the 49ers posted their fewest runs of 10-plus yards since 2017. Coaches believe that fresher legs and targeted week-to-week adjustments can help convert more 8- to 10-yard gains into breakaways. Restoring explosive plays remains a priority heading into the new season.

Workload monitored during the week

McCaffrey emphasized training rhythm over in-game limits, noting that capping carries on Sundays can disrupt flow for primary ball carriers. The staff intends to calibrate practice intensity, recovery windows and rep counts to keep him available without sacrificing efficiency. The 49ers expect the approach to support durability across 17 regular-season games while protecting postseason readiness.

Rest windows under Shanahan

Shanahan has signaled he will build in more breathers, particularly during the offseason program and training camp. Coaches say managing cumulative strain early can preserve explosiveness later. The plan includes selective non-participation days and lighter workloads in certain periods to balance endurance with late-season performance.

Targeting more explosive gains

San Francisco aims to regain chunk runs after last year’s dip in 10-plus-yard carries. Staff members see a path via a fresher lead back and week-to-week tweaks in the ground game. The focus is on turning efficient gains into long runs without overextending workloads in practice.

Rookie Isaac Guerendo update

Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo sustained a pectoral muscle tear while weightlifting this week, according to team officials. The injury is not considered season-ending, and the expectation is that he returns later in the preseason timeline. His early absence could open short-term opportunities for snaps elsewhere on the depth chart while the team manages McCaffrey’s practice volume.

The 49ers will continue to monitor McCaffrey’s workload through the summer. How the plan translates into more explosive runs will be a key storyline as the regular season approaches.