Through the first nine weeks of the season, San Francisco 49ers running backs Jordan Mason and Issac Guerendo proved they could handle the load of the backfield. With Christian McCaffrey expected to play on Sunday, head coach Kyle Shanahan explains how the scheme will change with the return of the 49ers star running back.
More News: 49ers' Nick Bosa Fined by NFL For Wearing MAGA Hat in Postgame Interview
San Francisco fans and fantasy managers who have McCaffrey on their team have been waiting for the day he returned. After the 49ers shockingly announced the star wouldn't be playing just minutes before the season opener, fantasy owners and fans scrambled.
After a dramatic saga of McCaffrey's Achilles tendinitis, the running back is expected to play in Week 10. Shanahan revealed how McCaffrey will be used in his debut in light of the emergence of backups like Mason and Guerendo.
"We'll see how it goes with Christian," Shanahan told NBC Sports. "You don't just sit there and split everything up just to do it. You keep the people out there who give you the best chance to win on each play, and Christian is just a little bit different because he does so much extra besides running the ball. He's such an elite player when it comes to running routes and things like that."
Shanahan's comment indicates that it's more than likely McCaffrey won't have a full workload in his first game of 2024. Fantasy managers should be cautious about starting McCaffrey as he is projected to split reps with either Mason or Guerendo.
However, McCaffrey has expressed his excitement to return to the field, which means there's also a possibility for him to put up stellar numbers on Sunday.
"It's very tough being injured," McCaffrey said. "It's tough physically, mentally, emotionally, especially when it's just not how you planned it. It wasn't expected. Some stuff just went wrong, but I'm feeling great now, ready to go.
"I'm figuring it out every day," McCaffrey added. "But all I know is I've got a good routine right now, and I feel good, and that's all that matters. ... I feel good now. I wouldn't be out here if it was still bothering me. I feel great."
McCaffrey is projected to get around 15 total touches in Week 10, but the 49ers will likely use him in both the rushing and passing game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
For more NFL news, head to Newsweek Sports.
English (US) ·