San Francisco 49ers Backup RB Battle Heating Up Behind Christian McCaffrey

The San Francisco 49ers boast one of the premier offensive weapons and arguably the top running back in the sport, in Christian McCaffrey, but as a Super Bowl favorite, rounding out quality depth behind him is a top training camp priority.

San Francisco 49ers, Christian McCaffrey — Dec 10, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) stands next to wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) after the 49ers picked up a first down near the end zone against the Seattle Seahawks in the third quarter at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

McCaffrey accounted for 2,023 yards from scrimmage, representing 29 percent of the 49ers’ total offense during San Francisco’s Super Bowl campaign.

Logging 272 carries, McCaffrey rushed for a career-high 1,459 yards as the focal point of the 49ers’ offense.

If nothing else, finding balance and a capable secondary option to limit the wear and tear on McCaffrey during the regular season could be prudent for the 49ers this summer.

Where San Francisco 49ers Backup RB Battle Stands

Dec 31, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) carries the ball as Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne (94) during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Last season, no other 49ers running back surpassed 300 rushing yards and head coach Kyle Shannahan seems to wisely be limiting Deebo Samuel’s role in the ground game.

It shouldn’t be too surprising that the 49ers invested a fourth-round pick in Isaac Guerendo as a potential understudy for McCaffrey.

However, as ESPN’s Nick Wagoner points out, Guerendo got dinged up during an early training camp practice and opened the door for Cody Schrader to get some meaningful reps.

“Just one practice into training camp, the 49ers running back competition already saw a bit of a shakeup,” Wagoner writes. “Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo departed in the middle of practice with what coach Kyle Shanahan said was a hamstring injury. Guerendo battled hamstring issues at Louisville and if those problems persist, it could open the door for another rookie back to make an impression.

“Undrafted rookie Cody Schrader made a habit of overcoming the odds through a decorated college career. With Guerendo out and star Christian McCaffrey taking a limited workload to preserve him for the season, Schrader could have a chance to make a case for a roster spot in the coming days and weeks.”

Whether Guerendo gets healthy and steps up, Schrader makes the most of his opportunity, or the 49ers go shopping for running back help on the waiver wire later this summer, San Francisco is going to need to get more balanced in the ground game.