The San Francisco 49ers are often misunderstood, but through six games this season, it is clear that Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system remains highly effective. A pressing question arises: do the 49ers genuinely need Christian McCaffrey this season?
Before acquiring McCaffrey in October 2022, the 49ers were already a strong team. In 2019, they ranked second in scoring and fourth in yards per game. That year, they reached the NFC Championship with three running backs each amassing over 500 rushing yards, averaging 144.1 rushing yards per game, second only to the Baltimore Ravens.
After a challenging 2020 season due to injuries, the 49ers returned to the NFC Championship in 2021, scoring 13th overall while ranking seventh in yards per game. Elijah Mitchell led with 963 rushing yards, while Deebo Samuel contributed 365 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. In that season, they averaged 127.4 rushing yards per game, placing them seventh in the NFL.
In the first seven games of the 2022 season, prior to McCaffrey’s arrival, the 49ers achieved four games with over 100 rushing yards, averaging 120.7 rushing yards per game. This season, they stand fourth in the NFL with 158 rushing yards per game and rank fifth in passing with an average of 262 yards. Overall, they are second in total yards per game with 420 and seventh in scoring with 27 points per game.
Even before McCaffrey, the 49ers offense could confuse defenses. Shanahan is recognized as one of the top offensive play callers in the league, renowned for his sophisticated approach that incorporates pre-snap motion and misdirection.
This year, Brock Purdy has led the NFL in yards per attempt, completing 65.4% of his passes for 1,629 yards, nine touchdowns, and four interceptions. George Kittle has tied for the NFL lead with five touchdowns, while Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, and Jauan Jennings are all averaging over 15 yards per reception.
Running back Jordan Mason is currently leading the league with 609 rushing yards, putting him on a pace for 1,725 yards this season.
Given these statistics, it seems the 49ers might not necessarily need McCaffrey. While his presence would certainly add value—being one of the finest running backs of his generation—history and current performance indicate that the team is functioning well without him.
The 49ers appear to be gaining offensive momentum with a healthy roster and Purdy showing consistent performance. This brings into question whether McCaffrey needs to rush back from injury. Although he is recognized as one of the best in the game, the 49ers look capable of continuing their success, even if he is sidelined for an extended period.