Christian McCaffrey’s injury could reshape fantasy drafts: 9 handcuff RBs to target
Christian McCaffrey’s injury risk in 2025 makes his handcuffs a fantasy goldmine. If the 49ers star misses games, these nine running backs could vault into RB1 territory overnight.
McCaffrey’s durability has been a talking point since he joined the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. The 28-year-old has logged at least 1,100 scrimmage yards in each of his two seasons in the Bay Area. But nagging injuries-including a high-ankle sprain in Week 15 last December-keep the door open for a backup to steal the spotlight. Fantasy managers drafting now must ask: who steps up if McCaffrey hits the shelf?
The top targets start with **Elijah Mitchell**, McCaffrey’s direct backup. Mitchell averaged 4.5 yards per carry in limited action last year and flashed big-play ability. Behind him, **Kyle Shanahan** has leaned on **Jordan Mason** as the change-of-pace back, and Mason’s 5.2 yards per carry in 2024 shows his explosive upside. **Trey Sermon** remains a wildcard after a strong preseason in 2023, though he’s buried on the depth chart for now.
Outside the 49ers, **Travis Etienne** (JAX) and **James Conner** (ARI) rise as high-upside handcuffs with standalone RB1 roles. Etienne posted 1,222 scrimmage yards in 2024, while Conner’s goal-line work makes him a weekly difference-maker. **Rhamondre Stevenson** (NE) and **Zamir White** (LV) round out the list with dual-threat upside and clear bell-cow roles if their stars go down.
McCaffrey’s ADP sits near the top of the first round in 2025 drafts. But drafting him without a handcuff is a high-stakes gamble. The right backup can turn a Week 1 injury into a league-winning move. Mitchell’s role is the safest bet-he’s already McCaffrey’s primary substitute. But Etienne and Conner offer more explosive ceilings if their teams’ stars falter.
The math is simple: McCaffrey has missed 11 games over the past three seasons. A single missed week can swing a fantasy matchup. The handcuffs above aren’t just fill-ins-they’re potential league-changers.
Target handcuffs early, but don’t overpay. Mitchell’s ADP hovers around Round 8, making him a smart late-round flier. Etienne and Conner go in the third or fourth, so drafting them as McCaffrey’s insurance adds value without breaking the bank. Monitor training camp reports-Shanahan’s comments on McCaffrey’s recovery could shift the pecking order fast.
And don’t sleep on **Isaiah Davis** (GB), a deep sleeper with third-down chops. If McCaffrey’s ankle lingers into August, Davis could force his way into a committee role. The handcuff market moves fast-act before the crowd does.