For weeks, the San Francisco 49ers awaited Christian McCaffrey’s return, hoping he’d reignite a sputtering offense.
Instead, the All-Pro running back’s performance has been, at best, inconsistent. Head coach Kyle Shanahan, however, believes that expecting peak form from McCaffrey after missing eight games—and much of the offseason—might be asking too much, too soon.
“Christian’s playing his ass off,” Shanahan emphasized on Wednesday. “But to think a guy who missed an entire offseason is going to be the exact same when he gets back—that’s unrealistic. It’s unfair to any player in the world.”
McCaffrey’s frustration was evident following the 49ers’ Week 12 loss to the Green Bay Packers, a game in which he rushed for just 31 yards, his lowest total since Week 4 of 2022. Sitting at his locker, visibly stewing, McCaffrey replayed the game’s closing moments in his mind—a costly fumble on what could’ve been a game-saving drive.
Shanahan, though disappointed in the result, views McCaffrey’s reaction as a reflection of the mindset that makes him one of the league’s elite. “Christian, I’ve said it before—he’s a psycho in the best way possible,” Shanahan said. “He won’t forgive himself for that fumble. He’s still mad at himself for a dropped pass in OTAs. That’s what drives him.”
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In the three games since his return, McCaffrey has totaled 149 rushing yards—well below the standard set by the reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year. His lone flash of brilliance against the Packers came in the fourth quarter on a 23-yard reception from backup quarterback Brandon Allen. Yet, even that moment ended in disappointment, with the aforementioned fumble.
The timing for McCaffrey to rediscover his form couldn’t be more urgent. The 49ers, now 5-6 and on a two-game losing streak, are slipping out of playoff contention. Sunday’s primetime matchup against the Buffalo Bills looms large, and Shanahan knows the team needs more from McCaffrey to steady the ship.
Complicating matters, the 49ers are riddled with injuries to key players, including quarterback Brock Purdy, defensive end Nick Bosa, offensive tackle Trent Williams, and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. With the roster stretched thin, Shanahan isn’t in a position to ease McCaffrey back into action. Since his return, McCaffrey has logged 43 carries, while Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo have combined for just seven.
“We’re not a team that rotates three backs,” Shanahan explained. “When you have a solidified starter like Christian, you lean on him. He’s the kind of player who gets better as he goes. We want to keep him fresh, but we also need him on the field.”
Despite the slow start, Shanahan remains confident that McCaffrey will return to form. But the question is: Will it happen in time to salvage the 49ers’ season? “Guys who miss training camp and half a season usually need time to find their rhythm,” Shanahan reiterated. “For Christian, it’s not a matter of effort—it’s about getting back into that groove.”
The challenge now is balancing patience with urgency. McCaffrey’s track record speaks for itself, and his ability to carry an offense is unquestioned. But as the season enters its critical stretch, the 49ers need more than flashes of greatness—they need consistency.
With playoff hopes dwindling, McCaffrey’s role becomes even more crucial. Whether or not he can return to his All-Pro form in time might determine if the 49ers can climb back into contention or if this season will be remembered as one of unfulfilled potential. For now, all eyes are on McCaffrey and Shanahan to turn things around—and quickly.
