Christian McCaffrey missed a fair amount of training camp practices with tightness issues, but he was still able to play in the 49ers' opening-week game in Australia. He handled 10 carries for 68 rushing yards while adding 5 catches on 8 targets for another 20 yards. After the game, head coach Kyle Shanahan said that McCaffrey was dealing with cramps during the game, and made it through fine, per Nick Wagoner of ESPN.
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McCaffrey’s 13.8 PPR points fell well short of his projection against the Rams, and the cramping might have played a part.
Kaelon Black, the team's third-round selection in this past draft, out-carried McCaffrey 14-10. Black was less efficient, producing fewer rushing yards than McCaffrey despite the higher volume.
The 33% carry share may have been below expectations for McCaffrey, but his 23.5% target share from yesterday is the type of usage that's fueled multiple RB1 overall seasons.
With the 49ers heading back to the states, and McCaffrey getting some extra rest before their week two matchup against the Dolphins next Sunday, expect him to be closer to the 64.7% carry share he handled last year.
