2025 San Francisco 49ers Report Card: Running Back Performance Review

Setting the Stage: The 2025 Season for the 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers faced numerous challenges in the 2025 NFL season. Despite injuries affecting key positions, including quarterback and wide receiver spots, the 49ers managed to maintain a powerful offensive presence, averaging 25.7 points per game. This reliance on their running corps was more vital than ever, particularly given the fluctuations in roster health.

Running Game's Backbone: Christian McCaffrey

Leading the charge was none other than Christian McCaffrey. After an unfortunate season plagued by injury in 2024, McCaffrey returned with a vengeance in 2025, playing all 17 games. With 1,202 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 102 catches for 924 receiving yards and seven more scores, McCaffrey was, without a doubt, the heart of the offense. Though his rushing average sat at 3.9 yards per attempt—less than ideal—his volume of work was crucial.

“Christian truly held the team together when the offensive game plan faltered.”

The Second String: Brian Robinson Jr.

Brian Robinson Jr. stepped into the role of second-string running back after being acquired just before the season. He played all 17 games, tallying 400 rushing yards on 4.3 yards per attempt, and managed to score two touchdowns. While Robinson's performance may not have reached McCaffrey's heights, he proved to be a reliable change-of-pace option, contributing both on the ground and through the air.

A Disappointing Turn: Isaac Guerendo

Entering his second season with the team, Isaac Guerendo unfortunately struggled for playing time, especially after Robinson's arrival. He only managed to gain a negligible impact on offense, with no offensive snaps in 2025. Guerendo did return five kicks but ultimately didn't showcase his potential on the field this year.

Rookie Blues: Jordan James

Drafted in the fifth round, Jordan James' season was marred by injury. A broken finger and knee issues sidelined him for the year, limiting his play to mere garbage time moments in the playoffs. His brief regular season appearance yielded just three snaps, and while his potential remains, 2025 was a significant setback.

Another Miss: Patrick Taylor

Patrick Taylor's season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury sustained in the second preseason game. A promising candidate, Taylor's absence left the team short-staffed, and he heads into the offseason as a free agent with uncertainty surrounding his future.

Final Thoughts: What's Next for the 49ers Running Backs?

As we reflect on the 2025 season, the 49ers' running back performance paints a picture of highs and lows. Christian McCaffrey solidified his role as an elite running back, while the other backups struggled to make significant contributions.

The critical decisions this offseason will revolve around how to better utilize each running back's unique skill sets while nurturing upcoming talent like Guerendo and James. As the NFL landscape continues to shift, the 49ers will need to adapt and possibly seek new options to solidify their ground game moving forward.

For Further Reading:

Check out the full article originally published on Niners Wire for comprehensive insights on each player's performance this season.