Three-time Pro Bowler and NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey has been a star running back the San Francisco 49ers have relied on since acquiring him in a trade in 2022.
McCaffrey had an NFL-leading 339 touches last season, but he’s no stranger to dealing with the physical strain that comes with being a high-usage player: Over the past six seasons, he’s averaged at least 19.4 touches per game.
But the athlete who graces the cover of Madden 2024 may have a lighter workload in 2024.
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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (right) talks with Christian McCaffrey before the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11, 2024 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
McCaffrey turned 28 last month, and the Niners rewarded him that same month by signing him to a contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season.
Kyle Shanahan The 49ers head coach acknowledged McCaffrey’s importance to the team and said protecting the league’s highest-paid running back will be a top priority next season.
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“We have guys that can run the ball,” Shanahan said, “and we have to protect Christian from himself. He never likes to go outside in any situation. And I think we can protect him more.”
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers runs for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on Feb. 11, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
McCaffrey played 81% of the 49ers’ playing time last season, but Shanahan and his coaching staff opted to hold McCaffrey out for the 2023 regular-season finale because the team had already clinched the NFC’s top playoff seed.
Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs during the Super Bowl at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
McCaffrey’s versatility has been a key factor in his success throughout his NFL career. He finished the 2019 season with a career-high 1,005 yards receiving with the Carolina Panthers and had a career-high seven touchdown receptions in 2023.
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“When you’re a threat in the passing game, it’s a little bit different,” Shanahan added, “but if you’re just going to put up with the wear and tear of carrying 20 times every game and stuff — and he’s certainly proven he can do that and stay healthy — you want to take some of that load off of him and give it to other guys.”
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