To say that the San Francisco 49ers' first full week of training camp was flush with storylines would be an understatement. Injuries, free-agent signings, and fights dominated the front pages in what was a chaotic start to the team's 2026 campaign.
Though the team's scuffle last Friday didn't lead to anything besides elevated tempers and a few extra shoves, it served as a clear indicator of who truly makes this team run, and it was pointed out by none other than linebacker Dre Greenlaw.
When asked about his thought process during the incident, the defensive bully had just one thing in mind.
"You better not touch 23," he explained.
49ers know who their X-factor is
In saying this, Greenlaw is saying the quiet part out loud. Christian McCaffrey is the clear engine in their offense. He has proven it every year he has been healthy, and, in a way, the fact was further solidified when he missed most of 2024.
In his tenure with San Francisco, the bellcow has been irreplaceable, almost to a fault. Kyle Shanahan has found it nearly impossible to take him off the field, resulting in league-leading usage rates. Last year, he touched the ball 413 times. Brian Robinson Jr., his backup, accumulated just 100 touches.
Now, with Robinson Jr. gone and backup Jordan James already nursing a fractured rib, CMC's teammates are well aware that Christian McCaffrey has reached untouchable status. It's no coincidence that the lone season he failed to stay healthy resulted in a 6-11 finish, the team's only losing season since trading for the back.
Now age 30 and having no running-back depth behind him, the superstar is arguably more essential than he has ever been. It's no wonder his teammates are handling him with kid gloves.
49ers already looking to McCaffrey to do what no one else can
The Stanford alumnus has established himself as the team's clear X-factor despite sharing the field with players like Brock Purdy, Mike Evans, and George Kittle. The star-studded offense still looks to their ground game to set the tone, and McCaffrey has not disappointed.
Having already lost two receivers to injury, the 49ers went out and signed Deebo Samuel, but it is likely CMC who will have to pick up the slack in the passing game. The multifaceted back has amassed 236 catches since moving to the Bay Area in 2022, and his receiving role doesn't appear to be diminishing any time soon.
The team still has a way to go before the season kicks off in September, and fans will likely be hoping that August brings a fresh start to an already-lively training camp. Having put the skirmish behind them, the Niners will look to get back on track, with their star veteran likely spearheading the charge.
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