McCaffrey sits out practice with ‘tightness’ as the 49ers manage his workload

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey missed practice on Monday due to "general tightness." The 30-year-old veteran participated in every practice thus far this summer but the team is carefully managing his workload. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak explained that there have been adjustments to the training camp schedule to prevent McCaffrey from having too many rest days.

McCaffrey is a key player, having led the NFL with 413 touches from scrimmage in the 2025 regular season. The 49ers are looking for a reliable backup to reduce McCaffrey's workload and currently lack a reliable backup after their top three projected replacements are sidelined by injuries. Rookie Kaelon Black is out with an adductor injury, Jordan James broke his ribs, and Isaac Guerendo suffered a torn pectoral muscle.

Patrick Taylor Jr., Sincere McCormick and Khalil Herbert covered the majority of the running back workload on Monday. Despite the absence of McCaffrey, the team has seen success with receiver Deebo Samuel, who has been getting work as a running back as well. Defensive end Nick Bosa, also out, is recovering from a torn ACL injury sustained last year.