The 49ers' rushing attack cratered in 2025, finishing 30th with 3.8 yards per carry and 106.9 yards per game — the worst under Shanahan since 2017. McCaffrey still led the NFL with 413 touches, but the unit's decline was undeniable. Losing Brian Robinson Jr. to Atlanta in free agency and drafting Kaelon Black in the third round leaves a thin, unproven group behind him.

Jordan James showed flashes late, rushing six times for 28 yards in the playoff loss to Seattle, but injuries limited him to five regular-season games. Isaac Guerendo averaged 5 yards per attempt in 2024 but sat out the final five games last year with injury and ball security concerns. Black led all CFP rushers with 241 yards and 10 touchdowns in college, though he must prove he can handle blitzes and catch the ball.

McCaffrey logged 337 carries last season and turns 30 on June 7. Shanahan wants to spread the load but has never followed through. The backfield depth this year starts with James earning more opportunities and Black adapting to NFL speed — or the Niners repeat their 2025 struggles.