49ers Sign Veteran Running Back Amid Christian McCaffrey Injury

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49ers Sign Veteran Running Back Amid Christian McCaffrey Injury

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Aug 12, 2026 4:35 PM ET

The San Francisco 49ers said they're not too concerned about Christian McCaffrey's latest injury, but they did just add another running back to their roster.

Earlier this week, the 49ers held McCaffrey out of practice due to tightness. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said he's not worried about that injury keeping the All-Pro off the field once the season starts. However, he wants to make sure his superstar weapon doesn't make his injury situation worse than it already is.

"My concern would be him toughing through tightness, like a lot of people do, and then hurting something bad, and then pulling something, which then, it could be a month," Shanahan told reporters, via 49ers Webzone. "That would be our concern, so once we hear him talking a certain way, Christian's a guy who needs to get prepared for Week 1. But also, we're pretty confident in what he's done before, we're confident in what he's done these two weeks, and we just want to make sure we don't make it something to be concerned about."

Just days after reporting McCaffrey's injury, the 49ers signed running back Zamir White.

Since being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, White has rushed for 736 yards and two touchdowns on 198 carries. He has also hauled in 25 passes for 152 yards.

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23 looks on during warmups before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images&period;

CMC's health could determine everything for the 49ers.

When McCaffrey was at his best in 2023, he had 1,459 rushing yards, 564 receiving yards and 21 total touchdowns for the 49ers. Although they ultimately lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl, it was a memorable season for the former first-round pick.

In 2024, McCaffrey only appeared in four games due to Achilles tendinitis and a PCL injury. The 49ers went 6-11 that season in large part because of his absence.

As for last season, McCaffrey appeared in all 17 games and had 2,126 yards from scrimmage. His production helped the 49ers go 12-5 and reach the divisional round of the playoffs.

If McCaffrey is healthy, the 49ers should be in contention for a playoff spot this fall. And if not, it could be a rough year for Shanahan's squad.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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