Niners Nation on Christian McCaffrey

ArticleA look back at some of the 49ers’ biggest midseason trades under Kyle ShanahanOctober 17, 2026

From the article

McCaffrey in at quarterback in the NFC Championship Game... even now the 49ers are a much different team without him. Limiting his touches by finding a good understudy in Kaelon Black certainly helps keep him fresh, and he's still a threat anytime he touches the ball.

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McCaffrey still a threat despite touch management and emergency QB duty.

McCaffrey played quarterback in the NFC Championship Game after Brock Purdy tore his elbow and backup Josh Johnson left with a concussion. Despite the emergency role, the source notes the 49ers remain a much different team without him; limiting his touches by finding a good understudy in Kaelon Black helps keep him fresh, and he remains a threat anytime he touches the ball.