San Francisco 49ers face running‑back depth concerns ahead of 2026 season

Wide receiver Mike Evans has drawn Hall of Fame praise as the 49ers prepare for the 2026 season, but analysts warn that the offense may be limited by a thin running‑back room. Starting running back Christian McCaffrey is expected to remain the focal point, yet his history of missed games raises concerns. The team plans to rely on rookie Jordan James and another inexperienced back, Kaelon Black, as backups. Critics note that the 49ers have taken a gamble by entrusting two young players with a demanding offensive system, and head coach Kyle Shanahan has expressed reluctance to give them extensive reps. If McCaffrey were to miss significant time, the ground game could suffer, potentially affecting the overall potency of the 49ers' offense.