49ers HC admits mistake regarding McCaffrey's usage

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

49ers HC Kyle Shanahan admits mistake regarding Christian McCaffrey's usage vs. Rams

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/18/23

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted Monday that he made a mistake regarding star running back Christian McCaffrey's usage during the team's Week 2 win against the Los Angeles Rams.

Coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that he must do a better job of mixing in Elijah Mitchell into the mix to keep Christian McCaffrey fresh throughout the course of games and the season.
— Matt Maiocco (@MaioccoNBCS) September 18, 2023

Kyle Shanahan says the 49ers have to do a better job with their RB rotation — Elijah Mitchell didn't see any carries and Shanahan said that was NOT the plan. 23 touches for Christian McCaffrey
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 18, 2023

The two-time Pro Bowler finished Sunday's game with 20 carries for 116 yards and one touchdown while adding three receptions for 19 yards. McCaffrey erupted for 152 yards and one touchdown on the ground via 22 rushing attempts in Week 1, adding three catches for 17 yards.

The 27-year-old superstar played all 57 of the Niners' offensive snaps against Los Angeles, which is a dangerous game considering his injury history.

Christian McCaffrey's snap counts by season...

2017: 805
2018: 966
2019: 1,039
2020: 171
2021: 272
2022: 914
2023 (pace): 978

49ers have an advantage Carolina didn't: Depth of skill-position talent that should allow them to give CMC some more rest. Shanahan said that's indeed…
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) September 18, 2023

With only two games left in Week 2, McCaffrey leads the NFL in rushing attempts (42), rushing yards (268) and rushing yards per game (134.0) -- none of which he's done before. He also paces the league in touches with 48.

McCaffrey led the NFL in touches (403), scrimmage yards (2,392) and touchdowns (19) during his 2019 All-Pro campaign with the Carolina Panthers. He was limited to three games in 2020 and seven in 2021, before bouncing back to play all 17 contests last season.

With a wide array of offensive weapons such as tight end George Kittle and wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel at his disposal, Shanahan needs to do a better job of giving McCaffrey extra rest if he wants this production to continue. Though he's had injury concerns himself, backup running back Elijah Mitchell has shown flashes of brilliance in his young career and should be able to spell McCaffrey when "Run CMC" needs some time off.

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