49ers HC Kyle Shanahan Reveals Final Plans For Christian McCaffrey vs. Rams Amid Injury Concerns

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

Christian McCaffrey had a very strong bounce-back campaign in 2025. He was awarded the NFL Comeback Player of the Year due to his strong showing. The San Francisco 49ers certainly know that, but they also know that their star running back can do more.

While there were some concerns about his availability for the team’s opener against the Rams, the Niners expect that McCaffrey still has some untapped potential that could be reached in 2026.

Coach Shanahan Expects More From Christian McCaffrey

Even though McCaffrey ran for 1,202 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, there were a select few that might be characterized as explosive plays from the 30-year-old.

Shanahan wants to see more of that in the 2026 season.

“In order to get those big runs, it always takes all 11,” coach Kyle Shanahan said on the show, ‘49ers Game Plan.’

He also added that there were many reasons why the team’s run game lacked explosiveness in previous seasons.

“There are a few that Christian could do better, but I want to give him more opportunities,” Shanahan said.

To be fair, the 49ers head coach said that the responsibility doesn’t fall on McCaffrey alone. He implied that the team’s coaching staff and the rest of their roster should help in those areas, too.

49ers Might Target Another Running Back In 2027

Despite Christian McCaffrey’s ongoing brilliance, the team might already be looking at the bigger picture ahead.

Truth be told, not a lot of premier running backs have played better after they reached the age of 30 or more. 

In next year’s draft, the Niners are expected to find McCaffrey’s future replacement. NFL Analyst Ryan Wilson revealed in his latest mock draft that San Francisco might go with Florida’s Jadan Baugh at the 16th spot.

“The 49ers zig when others expect them to zag when it comes to the draft. They could plan for life for Trent Williams here, or maybe add another receiver. Instead, they get the best back of the class in Jadan Baugh, who reminds me of in-hi-prime Le’Veon Bell. That type of player in a Shahanan offense feels like a no-brainer,” Wilson said on his mock draft.

If McCaffrey can find that explosiveness that Shanahan was talking about, maybe Braugh can sit for a while and watch how it’s done at the pros.