Christian McCaffrey has opened the 2026 regular season with 5 rushing touchdowns on 61 carries through five games for the undefeated San Francisco 49ers, converting a reduced workload into strong efficiency at 4.7 yards per attempt. The team has lowered his snap share to around 69 percent and limited carries to roughly 12 per game, incorporating rookie Kaelon Black on short-yardage and goal-line situations to preserve the 30-year-old back after his heavy 2025 usage. McCaffrey remains fully active with no injury designation heading into Week 6 against the Commanders, extending a recent four-game scoring streak while the offense sustains high red-zone opportunities. His career history of missed time and the 49ers' deliberate management approach remain central variables for his full-season rushing touchdown total.