San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has faced significant setbacks this season. After missing the first eight games due to Achilles tendinitis, McCaffrey returned to start four games, only to be sidelined again with a PCL injury.
While rookie Isaac Guerendo is set to take over as the featured back, McCaffrey’s presence continues to make a meaningful impact, particularly on the younger players in the running back room. His career accomplishments command respect.
“People come in, and they know Christian because he’s been a [NFL Offensive Player of the Year], and being on so many commercials, and just being Christian McCaffrey,” head coach Kyle Shanahan said Thursday on Bay Area radio station KNBR.
“They know him, and who knows what they’re opinion of him is before they meet him? “But the coolest thing about Christian is when people get around him, and you get to really see why [he’s so great]. Christian will talk to anyone. He’ll lead by talking if you need it. But he’s the best ‘leader by example’ that there is [with] how committed he is to everything, how hard he works.”
McCaffrey struggled to recapture his form following his initial return, but appeared to be on track for a breakout performance against the Buffalo Bills before suffering his latest setback.
“Our whole team knew how ready he was for that Buffalo game,” Shanahan said. “You could see what he did in practice and walkthrough just over there in Buffalo on Saturday. His meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of the meetings, including his routes, runs, and protections.
“He comes to work every day as if he’s the last person on the roster, frightened of being cut. And knowing he’s such a big-time player, and seeing the standard that he works at, it’s the best thing you can have [as] a coach because how can a rookie come in and know how amazing he is and not feel like he needs to work the same?”
Shanahan showed confidence in Guerendo’s ability to fill in for McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, who both sustained high-ankle sprains against the Bills.
Guerendo has shown flashes of potential in limited appearances and has improved over his rookie season. The head coach saw his potential while standing in for Mason earlier in the season. “When Mason got hurt, I believe for Seattle, he’s come in and done a real good job,” Shanahan says.
“So, just having that opportunity, he’s developed a feel for it this season. I believe he has improved over the course of the year, and this is an incredible opportunity for him.” Shanahan also stated that he believes all of his running backs can perform like starters. Guerendo thanked the team’s running backs coach, Bobby Turner, for preparing all members of the position group to be ready when called upon.
“I always give credit to Coach T, just preparing everybody like they’re gonna be the starters,” Guerendo said. “So, that way, when moments like that do come up, I’m ready for it.”
The 49ers are no strangers to shuffling through running backs due to injuries, and Shanahan believes Guerendo can rise to the occasion.
“And now, we are down to our fourth back with Elijah going on IR to start the season, out in training camp,” Shanahan said. “And so, now, he’s going to get his opportunity, and I believe he can run like a starting back. That’s what I expect from him. He’s done it in the times that he’s gotten it this year, and he’s going to have five games to do this
“I think he’ll improve as he goes. And ideally, he will take advantage of this and become a better player for us next year.”
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