Christian McCaffrey is set to continue as the focal point of the 49ers’ attack (as well as the standard-bearer for running back contracts) for the foreseeable future. Dialing down his workload is a team goal for 2024, though, and a number of other options exist to meet it. 
McCaffrey’s 81% offensive snap share the led the league amongst running backs in 2023, and on three occasions last season he took the field for every offensive snap. The 28-year-old’s success both on the ground and in the passing game helped him earn Offensive Player of the Year honors along with a lucrative extension, but reducing his wear and tear is a reasonable concern from the 49ers’ perspective. Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently spoke about San Francisco’s backfield approach moving forward.
“We have guys that can run the ball,” Shanahan said, via The Athletic’s David Lombardi (subscription required). “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… [I]f he’s just taking the wear and tear with 20 carries and stuff every game – and he’s definitely good enough to do that and he has proved he can stay healthy – but you’d like to take some of that off of him and give it to other guys also.”
The 49ers have both Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason in place as experienced backup options, although injuries have been an issue for the former. Mitchell has been limited to 16 games and only 120 carries across the past two seasons, and like Mason he is a pending free agent. The fact both backs could depart in 2025 played a role in San Francisco’s decision to add rookies to the mix this spring.
That process included the selection of Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round of the draft. The Louisville product showcased high-end speed during his college career, one in which saw sparse usage between 2018-22 at Wisconsin. That lack of mileage could prove to be a benefit if he manages to carve out an offensive role early on with the 49ers. For now, though, Lombardi’s colleague Matt Barrows notes Guerendo’s likeliest path to playing time during his rookie season is as a kick returner.
San Francisco has benefited from McCaffrey remaining healthy during his time with the team so far, and with a contract tying him to the Bay Area through 2027 team and player will aim to avoid a recurrence of his Panthers-era injuries. It will be interesting to see how much the 49ers’ other backs are used this season with the aim of lessening McCaffrey’s burden in mind.
Keep Mason over Mitchell….he is a bull and can run inside
Depends on what Mitchell is after all the injuries.
Mitchell never fumbles
It’ll be interesting to see if Schrader makes the roster or not.
If he doesn’t make the roster, there’s no way they’re going to be able to keep him on the practice squad all year without someone snatching him up.
Honestly, if he has even a remotely successful pre-season, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone didn’t immediately choose to roster him on their final 53-man.
In this circumstance, unless an injury occurs to either Mitchell or Mason, I wouldn’t be the elast bit surprised to see either one of Guerendo or Schrader go on the IL and have a “red shirt” season this year with the focus of getting them ready to contribute next season.
It’ll definitely be interesting to see how it all plays out, and who all the 49ers end up carrying on their final roster. Although, I think if they allow Schrader to go they’ll be making a mistake.
If Cam Akers is healthy enough to play well, I think he’d be a good addition and cut Mason.
Cam Akers!!! I like how he looked last year as a non-ram but I want to see Mason with more than 0-3 carries per game. All he’s done is average more than 5 yds per carry he deserves a chance. We have everything we need in house we don’t need a Cam Akers
Fair enough
Just trade Aiyuk or Deebo and move CMC to WR lol. Then do a committee with IG, Mitchell, & Mason. HA
Let Mitchell try to stay healthy one more year. Maybe he’s learned to protect himself. He is watching McCaffrey who is the best at both avoiding big hits and punishing when he needs that yard. Mason is balanced and not too flashy. Mr Consistent. Guerendo has a chance to give us some burst that none of them have. CMC is faster with pads on than his 40 time. But I like the highlight reel for Guerendo. Every RB must be good with their hands as blocker and receiver. Go with the group that best keeps the QB safe and had some skills.