Kyle Shanahan Defends Christian McCaffrey's Performance After Injury-Plagued Return

The 49ers coach urges patience as McCaffrey works to regain form following a lengthy absence due to Achilles and calf injuries.

Christian McCaffrey has struggled to return to his MVP-caliber form, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry since rejoining the 49ers in Week 8 after missing the first half of the season.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan emphasized that expecting immediate peak performance from McCaffrey, given his extended recovery from Achilles and calf injuries, is unrealistic.
McCaffrey has taken on a heavy workload since his return, with 43 carries in three games, while backup running backs Jordan Mason and Isaac Guerendo have seen limited opportunities.
Critics have noted the 49ers' offensive production has declined since McCaffrey's return, with the team averaging 16.7 points per game compared to 26.3 points earlier in the season.
The 49ers, now 5-6 and facing playoff contention challenges, continue to rely heavily on McCaffrey despite his ongoing recovery and recent struggles.