Dec 17, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals
(San Francisco, CA) – Kyle Shanahan’s most recent quote makes fantasy players weary of the draft to come.
When addressing expectations for his All-Pro running back, Shanahan said “We have to protect Christian from himself. He doesn’t like to ever come out no matter what the situation is and I do think that’s something we could protect him with more.”
McCaffrey has played in 27 of the potential 28 games during his career with the 49ers. He led all players with 339 touches in 2023, to go along with the rushing title and tied with Raheem Mostert for total touchdowns with 21.
His high usage translated to a first place finish for San Francisco, and a number of fantasy league winners who decided to take the offensive player of the year with their first pick. Shanahan is aware that McCaffrey is the key catalyst to the 49ers dynamic offense, but maintaining his availability is priority number one.
“We have [other] guys that can run the ball,” added Shanahan. As a head coach who has fallen short of a title twice in the Super Bowl, he wants his biggest star to be ready for the biggest stage. “If he’s just taking the wear and tear with 20 carries and stuff every game… you’d like to take some of that off of him and give it to other guys also.”
Last season, the 49ers used backups Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason for a combined 115 carries. While McCaffrey’s receiving abilities will always make him a desired fantasy player, the 49ers are looking to trade juiced stats for production and wins. Be prepared for 23 to get some more reps off in ‘24.
