One of the core issues for the San Francisco 49ers last season was the inconsistent health of running back Christian McCaffrey. He missed the first nine weeks with Achilles tendinitis, and then sustained a knee injury in Week 13 after his return.
In 2023 when McCaffrey was the offensive player of the year he racked up 339 touches and played 81 percent of the offensive snaps. Last season in the three games immediately after returning from his Achilles injury he saw action on 88 percent, 94 percent and 82 percent of the team’s plays. The fourth game was when he got hurt and he played just 25 percent of the snaps.
Balancing how to keep McCaffrey at maximum effectiveness while also keeping him healthy will be one of the biggest challenges facing Kubiak and the 49ers offensive coaching staff this season.
