49ers Aim to Keep Christian McCaffrey Fresh With Rookie Kaelon Black

The San Francisco 49ers are exploring a strategy to manage Christian McCaffrey's workload by integrating rookie running back Kaelon Black more significantly into the offense. This approach was evident in the team's season-opening victory over the Los Angeles Rams, where Black received more carries than McCaffrey.

McCaffrey, who carried the ball only 10 times for 68 yards in the 27-7 win, stated that keeping running backs fresh is beneficial for the defense and helps sustain the run game. He noted that such a rotation doesn't necessarily eliminate touches for players but rather changes the dynamic.

Last season, McCaffrey shouldered a heavy load, carrying the ball 413 times, a figure not seen since Demarco Murray in 2014. However, his yards per carry dipped to below 4 for the first time since joining the 49ers in 2022. As a team, San Francisco's rushing game was also inefficient, averaging 3.8 yards per carry, its lowest since the Dennis Erickson era.

McCaffrey observed successful models around the league, such as in Atlanta with Bijan Robinson and in Detroit with Jahmyr Gibbs. These players achieved career-highs in yards from scrimmage despite fewer carries, thanks to capable backups like Tyler Allgeier and David Montgomery, who handled a significant percentage of their team's carries.

In contrast, McCaffrey was the primary ball carrier for the 49ers, accounting for 65% of their handoffs, with the next closest player, Brian Robinson, receiving less than 20%. This season, however, the team appears to be shifting that paradigm.

In the game against the Rams, Black, a third-round rookie from Indiana, rushed 14 times for 65 yards, surpassing McCaffrey's carries. The team collectively gained 174 yards on 30 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed slight surprise at Black receiving more carries but acknowledged it was a result of the game's flow and his own play-calling. He praised Black's preparedness and ability to contribute to both the run and pass game, which allowed for the rotation.

Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak highlighted the team's struggles with rushing last year, ranking 29th. He emphasized the explosiveness and power displayed by both McCaffrey and Black in the season opener.

While the 49ers have a strong record with McCaffrey since his acquisition in 2023, this win marked only the second time they have secured a victory with him carrying the ball 10 or fewer times.

During a scoring drive in the first half, Black was instrumental, carrying the ball five times for consistent gains before Brock Purdy connected with Deebo Samuel for a 39-yard touchdown. McCaffrey, with three carries before halftime, later contributed seven carries for 51 yards in the third quarter.

McCaffrey sees the benefit in this approach, believing it keeps players fresh and allows for strategic substitutions. He trusts Black's ability to execute in crucial moments.

Black's performance in his debut was notable, marking the most yards by a 49ers rookie running back since Elijah Mitchell in 2021. Mitchell went on to gain 963 yards in his rookie season, a benchmark not reached by a 49ers rookie since Frank Gore in 2005.

Shanahan described Black as rare, noting his maturity and professionalism since joining the team. Despite a minor groin issue during training camp, Black has demonstrated a strong grasp of the offense.

"He came in and since Day 1, he’s been on his P’s and Q’s," McCaffrey said of Black. "So good to where you can trust him doing anything."

Another rookie, fifth-round pick Jordan James, was inactive for the game, a decision influenced by Black's performance in practice.

Shanahan indicated that the team deliberately implemented a plan to give McCaffrey breaks during training camp, a strategy they aim to continue during the regular season with Black's emergence.

"There wasn’t a time that, all right, Christian got this rep, it’s a play for Christian, and his backup won’t know what to do," Shanahan said of Black. "He showed during the week how attentive he was, how much he knew, how much he was studying whether he got to rep or not."

Kubiak added that the objective is not only to rotate McCaffrey but also to ensure Black receives touches, acknowledging his talent and deservingness of playing time.