San Francisco 49ers' Top Running Back Expects Full Workload

The San Francisco 49ers face the Miami Dolphins in a showdown of conference elites in Week 13, and their recently acquired star claims he's ready to do battle. Running back Chrisitan McCaffrey says he's feeling great and expects a full workload on Sunday.

Christian McCaffrey said he dodged a bullet with his knee issue, said he’ll play in full Sunday. “I feel great,” he said.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) December 1, 2022

Head coach Kyle Shanahan described McCaffrey as suffering from "knee irritation" following the 49ers' 13-0 win over the New Orleans Saints. McCaffrey played his typical number of snaps in the game but wasn't his usual efficient self, rushing for 32 yards on 11 carries and adding four receptions for 17 yards.

If truly healthy, McCaffrey should be in line for a huge day against the Dolphins. Not only have they allowed 4.5 yards per rush this year, but fellow 49ers backfield mate Elijah Mitchell will miss Sunday's contest with a knee injury. Mitchell has totalled 190 yards on 37 touches since the 49ers over the past three weeks, and his unavailability could mean more opportunities for McCaffrey.

McCaffrey joined the 49ers ahead of the trade deadline via a blockbuster deal with the Carolina Panthers. The 49ers hoped he might rediscover the sensational two-way play that made him an All-Pro in 2019, a season in which he led the league with 2392 yards from scrimmage. He has been effective but not transcendent in five games with the 49ers this year, averaging 48.2 rushing yards per game at 4.16 yards per attempt and 40.4 receiving yards per game at an impressive 6.73 yards per target.