"I wish I could get that too": Ricky Pearsall takes cheeky jab at 49ers coach as Christian McCaffrey leads in receiving targets

Ricky Pearsall delivered a lighthearted jab at Kyle Shanahan when asked about Christian McCaffrey's workload during the 49ers’ 20-9 win over the Panthers on Monday. Pearsall jokingly told reporters on Tuesday that he'd also "love 30 touches a game."

"I don't think it's tough," Pearsall said. "Sh*t, I'd love 30 touches in a game. I don't think it's tough at all, honestly. He's a really good football player. Whenever ball's in his hand, it's going his way, success happens. So why not keep throwing to him? Hand him the ball. I think it's actually really fun for him and he probably wants that. So do I."

McCaffrey was the offense's pillar as Brock Purdy struggled with three first-half interceptions. He logged 31 touches for 142 yards and a touchdown, marking his 10th 100-yard game of the season. Meanwhile, Pearsall finished with one carry for two yards and two catches for six yards.

The 49ers defense also stepped up, grabbing three interceptions and limiting Carolina to 230 yards. However, the bigger question for San Francisco is how long it can rely that much on McCaffrey. After dealing with injuries last season, he is carrying a huge load as the 49ers fight for playoff position.

Christian McCaffrey closing in on a historic 1,000–1,000 season

Christian McCaffrey is closing in on a rare NFL milestone. He has 796 rushing yards and 785 receiving yards in 12 games, and is on pace for a 1,000-yard rushing and 1,000-yard receiving season. Roger Craig, Marshall Faulk and McCaffrey have done it once, but no player has done it twice.

The 49ers (8-4) are third in the NFC West and in the hunt for the division title despite significant losses. Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are out for the year, while other key players have also missed time.

McCaffrey has become the center of the offense, leading the NFL with 217 carries and 81 receptions. His heavy usage stands out because he missed most of the 2024 season with injuries.

Brock Purdy and George Kittle are back; however, Brandon Aiyuk’s contract situation is unresolved. That could mean even more touches for McCaffrey, who is already averaging 66.3 rushing yards and 65.4 receiving yards per game.