{
  "id": 14847063,
  "title": "49ers' Christian McCaffrey is working less. His thoughts? It's complicated",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/16/49ers-christian-mccaffrey-is-working-less-his-thoughts-its-complicated",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-16T02:17:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/49ers-christian-mccaffrey-working-less-021709608.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey is receiving less playing time this season, and the 30-year-old backsportsman shared his thoughts on the matter. McCaffrey acknowledged that he desires more opportunities to showcase his skills, but he also understands the necessity of sharing the workload with his teammates.\n\nThe San Francisco 49ers' head coach, Kyle Shanahan, has made an effort to lessen McCaffrey's workload, aiming to reinvigorate their rushing attack, which was among the worst in Shanahan's 18 seasons as an offensive play-caller. McCaffrey noted that the team's success is paramount, and if spreading the ball around can help achieve that goal, then that's what they should do.\n\nShanahan explained that the 49ers have better backfield depth this season, which has allowed them to rotate McCaffrey with other players on the roster. The addition of rookie Kaelon Black, who has 136 yards on 37 carries, and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who has nine carries, has contributed to McCaffrey's lighter workload.\n\nMcCaffrey admitted that he is conflicted about his reduced touch total, but he remains focused on winning games. He emphasized that the 49ers have a roster filled with both selfish and unselfish players who are willing to do whatever it takes to secure victory.",
  "summary": "A year after Christian McCaffrey had an NFL-high 413 touches, San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan appears to be finally making good on his annual offseason pledge to lessen his workload.",
  "key_points": [
    "Christian McCaffrey is receiving less playing time this season.",
    "Head coach Kyle Shanahan aims to share workload to improve rushing attack.",
    "McCaffrey acknowledges complexity of reduced touch total while focusing on team success."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}