The 49ers signed Herbert to a one-year contract on August 2. He appeared in the team's preseason opener against the Tennessee Titans last week, carrying the ball six times for 18 rushing yards. He also caught both of his targets for 35 receiving yards.
His release could signal good news ahead for San Francisco's running back injury situation. Christian McCaffrey, Kaelon Black, and Jordan James have all been sidelined due to injuries/setbacks during training camp. One of those players may be close to returning.
At the time of Herbert's signing, the 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown on the running back.
Herbert (5-9, 212) was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round (217th overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year NFL career with the Bears (2021-24), Cincinnati Bengals (2024), and New York Jets (2025), he has appeared in 63 games (13 starts) and registered 416 carries for 1,957 yards and nine touchdowns, along with 54 receptions for 316 yards and two touchdowns. In 2025, Herbert appeared in seven games with the Jets and totaled 16 carries for 52 yards and one reception for four yards.
A 28-year-old native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Herbert attended the University of Kansas (2016-19) and Virginia Tech (2020), where he appeared in 46 games (22 starts) and registered 474 carries for 2,917 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground while adding 33 receptions for 293 yards and one touchdown through the air.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers signing veteran WR Brandin Cooks to practice squad
According to multiple reports, the San Francisco 49ers are signing free-agent wide receiver Brandin Cooks to their practice squad as the veteran works to get up to speed quickly in head coach Kyle Shanahan's offense. Source: free-agent WR Brandin Cooks is signing with the... -
49ers signing veteran defensive tackle off Vikings practice squad
The San Francisco 49ers are signing veteran defensive tackle Naquan Jones off the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The 49ers are signing veteran DT Naquan Jones off the Vikings practice squad, per source.— Tom Pelissero... -
Kyle Shanahan shares updates ahead of 49ers-Cardinals game
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan spoke with reporters ahead of Wednesday's practice as the team prepares for its Week 3 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Here's everything he said. Transcript provided by the San Francisco 49ers Communications staff. Opening... -
49ers WR Mike Evans misses second practice ahead of Cardinals game
The San Francisco 49ers kicked off their second full practice of the week as they aim to start the season 3-0 with a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Wide receiver Mike Evans remains sidelined. He was among multiple players who missed Wednesday's practice due to...