Christian McCaffrey, the San Francisco 49ers’ prolific running back and their biggest offensive threat, is back at practice after sitting out the last couple of weeks. While he may not have a specific injury that caused him to be sidelined, his workload does need to be managed moving forward.
He is now 30 years old, and he carried a huge load last season, when he nearly surpassed 1,000 rushing and receiving yards in the same season for the second time in his career. NFL running backs historically fall off a cliff at around age 30, and the 49ers will need a serviceable backup behind him.
The problem is that no reserve running back has stood out for them so far this summer. That might be why offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak implied that San Francisco may go with a running back by committee approach instead of having a designated second-string running back when it comes to backing up McCaffrey.
“We’d like to get those guys carries,” Kubiak said, via a Sactown Sports 1140 interview about the backfield plan. “If you can get multiple backs touches in a game, that’s a sign that you’re running the ball well.”
Injuries Have Complicated the RB2 Competition
Jordan James could have a great chance to earn himself some snaps during the regular season. As a rookie last year, he appeared in three games but didn’t take a single snap, and he just recently returned to practice after suffering a fractured rib.
This Thursday’s final preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders could be James’ opportunity to prove that he can help give McCaffrey some much-needed rest. The Niners will open the regular season in Australia against the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 10.
Kaelon Black, whom San Francisco took in the third round of April’s NFL draft, took eight carries and ran for 33 yards this past Thursday versus the Los Angeles Chargers. He also performed well as a pass blocker, and Kubiak liked what he saw from the Indiana University product.
“I loved how he ran. He really brought kind of a spark to our offense,” Kubiak said of Black.
Sincere McCormick, an undrafted tailback who last played for the Raiders in 2024, logged 53 yards and a touchdown on five carries versus the Chargers. Meanwhile, Isaac Guerendo, who occasionally flashed some potential in his two prior seasons, continues to be out with a torn pectoral muscle he suffered back in April.
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