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49ers HC Kyle Shanahan said, “We have to protect Christian McCaffrey from himself,” when asked about the possibility of reducing McCaffrey’s workload in 2024.

Advice: Shanahan added that the team has “guys that can run the ball” and noted that while McCaffery has proven capable of handling 20-plus carries a game, at some point, the team would “like to take some of that off of him and give [the ball] to other guys also. McCaffery signed a two-year extension with the 49ers in early June after rushing for 272-1459-14 while adding another 67-564-7 through the air. The 28-year-old running back played in 10 of a possible 33 games from 2020-2021 but has played in all but one regular season contest over the last two years. A potential decline in touches for a back who led the league with 339 touches in 2023 is concerning for fantasy managers, but McCaffrey’s efficiency and pass-catching upside will always keep his ceiling high. We’d also expect him to remain the preferred back near the goal line and high-value areas of the field. Fantasy managers should still feel comfortable taking him at the top of drafts this season. Rotoworld Today, 6:42 am

Rams RB Kyren Williams said rookie RB Blake Corum “can run the ball very well and hopefully it allows me to get to the slot or run routes out of the backfield.”

Advice: The Rams added Corum to a backfield dominated by Williams last season. Williams has been dealing with a foot issue in the offseason while Corum has been asked to develop a three-down skillset. The two backs could complement each other in the Rams offense. It is most notable that Williams said Corum’s addition as a runner could help him showcase even more as a pass-catcher after catching 32 passes for 206 yards last season. Though Corum’s addition has Williams optimistically thinking about their complementary roles, Williams has a notable injury history and is a risky gamble at cost for fantasy football with the added competition for touches. Corum will see the field next season, but expect Williams to be the lead back. If his comments are any indication, Williams’ pass-catching upside could see a bump for 2024. Rotoworld Tuesday, 5:04 pm

ESPN’s Stephen Holder believes Trey Sermon is “the likeliest option” to win the Colts’ backup running back job.

Advice: A former third-round pick of the 49ers in 2021, Sermon hasn’t seen much work as a pro, appearing in just 25 games during his three-year career while rushing for 78-346-1 over that span. With Zack Moss now in Cincinnati, Sermon, who joined the Colts last season, has a chance to earn a meaningful role heading into this season. Jonathan Taylor will still handle the large majority of the Colts’ touches, but whoever ends up as his backup could make for a solid stash in fantasy leagues. Sermon rushed for 88 scoreless yards on 17 carries in a Week 15 matchup against the Steelers last season and averaged a solid 4.6 YPC on the season. Rotoworld Monday, 2:55 pm

McLaughlin is working to earn an increased workload entering Year 2 while competing with backfield mates Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, Ryan McFadden of The Denver Post reports.

Advice: McLaughlin has been one of the earliest to arrive throughout Denver's voluntary offseason workouts, and at mandatory minicamp he reportedly looked more explosive than in his rookie season, when he averaged an impressive 5.4 yards per carry. Offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi praised McLaughlin's "speed, acceleration (and) explosiveness," saying "I don't know if there's anyone who works harder than him." Still, the Broncos' backfield is crowded, with Javonte Williams presumably still the No. 1 option and another year removed from his ACL injury, plus rookie fifth-rounder Audric Estime (knee) and undrafted free agent Blake Watson having been added to the mix. Rotowire.com Friday, 1:23 pm

Patriots signed RB Rhamondre Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million contract extension.

Advice: Stevenson said earlier this month that he thought he and the Patriots were “pretty close” to an extension. Now, the 26-year-old back is under contract through the 2028 season and set to lead the Patriots’ backfield under a new regime for the foreseeable future. Stevenson has rushed for 2,265 yards and 14 touchdowns in his three seasons with the team, adding another 121 catches for 782 yards and one touchdown. He averaged a career-worst 4.4 yards per touch last season, but the team is hoping for a much-improved offense with Mac Jones now gone and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt taking over. Stevenson could be challenged by Antonio Gibson for third-down touches this season but still profiles as an RB2 in PPR leagues. The Patriots are giving Stevenson $17 million in fully guaranteed money on this deal, which also includes an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million worth of incentives. Rotoworld Thursday, 12:17 pm