Yahoo Sports NFL on Christian McCaffrey

ArticleChristian McCaffrey's workload will worry many, but Kaelon Black's usage is wha...September 11, 2026

From the article

Kyle Shanahan on Christian McCaffrey after insane 2025 workload: 'I want him to have more juice. I want him to be fresher. He doesn't have to take that beating when it's unnecessary.'

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STACKED’s take

Positive signalRole

Shanahan committed to reducing McCaffrey's workload to keep him fresher in 2026.

Kyle Shanahan stated in May 2026 that he wants McCaffrey to 'have more juice' and be 'fresher,' explicitly saying 'He doesn't have to take that beating when it's unnecessary' and expressing hope that other backs would step up to reduce McCaffrey's workload. This represents a deliberate strategic shift away from the unsustainable 2025 usage pattern, with Shanahan acknowledging the need to preserve McCaffrey's health entering his age-30 season.