49ers Keep Top‑10 QB‑RB‑WR Trio Despite Kittle’s Injury

Ranking Holds at No. 8

CBS Sports placed the 49ers’ quarterback‑running back‑wide receiver combination at No. 8 in its latest positional rankings, even after replacing injured tight end George Kittle with newly signed wideout Mike Evans. Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey remain the other two‑thirds of the group, which earned an average vote of 8.3 among CBS evaluators—ranking from a high of fifth to a low of twelfth. The 49ers became the first team to secure any top‑five votes, reflecting the upside voters see when the trio clicks in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Only San Francisco and Cleveland kept the same spot on the list from the previous year, despite the roster change at tight end. The evaluators highlighted the difficulty of forecasting the unit, citing a mix of system dependency, injury concerns, and the split between McCaffrey’s rushing efficiency and receiving skill. The quote underscores that “you have to disentangle their players from the Kyle Shanahan system… figure out injury issues… and address the gap between McCaffrey’s rushing efficiency and his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield.”

Purdy’s Availability and McCaffrey’s Dual Threat

Purdy missed significant time last season, and lingering doubts about his health continue to factor into the valuation of the trio. McCaffrey, meanwhile, still faces scrutiny over why his rushing output does not match the production he shows as a pass‑catcher, even though he is widely recognized as one of the most versatile backs in the league when healthy. His ability to contribute on both sides of the ball remains a key component of the unit’s projected success.

The permanence of the ranking suggests that evaluators view the group’s floor and ceiling as largely unchanged with Evans in the lineup, despite the shift from Kittle. Looking ahead to the 2026 campaign, the 49ers will need the trio to stay healthy for extended periods, as that remains the biggest variable affecting their potential to realize the top‑five upside hinted at by at least one voter.

Evans Brings Veteran Presence

Evans steps into the receiving corps after Kittle’s Achilles injury forced a roster move, adding a seasoned option to an offense that has leaned heavily on Purdy’s decision‑making and McCaffrey’s versatility. Kittle is slated to return in 2026, but his post‑injury form is still uncertain, which is why he could not be factored into this year’s ranking. With the trio’s evaluation steady, San Francisco eyes a productive season, banking on health to unlock the ceiling that the voters already see.